Every year on December 7, the National Pearl Harbor Day of Remembrance is observed to commemorate the infamous day when Japan attacked the United States at Pearl Harbor. In 1941, this event resulted in the loss of over 2,400 lives as Japan targeted the Hawaiian base of America's Pacific Fleet. The surprise attack caused extensive damage, destroying or damaging numerous aircraft and most of the ships in the harbor. Thousands of service men and women lost their lives or sustained injuries. This unprecedented attack played a pivotal role in the United States entering World War II, aligning with the Allies and declaring war on Japan.

History

• Attack on Pearl Harbor: On the morning of December 7, 1941, the Imperial Japanese Navy Air Service launched a surprise military strike on the U.S. naval base at Pearl Harbor. The attack resulted in significant loss of life and damage to the Pacific Fleet.
• U.S. Entry into World War II: The day after the attack, President Franklin D. Roosevelt delivered his famous "Day of Infamy" speech, and the United States declared war on Japan, officially entering World War II.
• Establishment of Remembrance Day: In 1994, the United States Congress designated December 7th as National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day to honor the lives lost and the impact of the attack on American history.

Significance

National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day holds significant importance for several reasons:

1. Honoring Sacrifice: It honors the bravery and sacrifice of those who served and died during the Pearl Harbor attack.
2. Historical Reflection: It provides an opportunity to reflect on the events that led the United States into World War II and the subsequent impact on global history.
3. Education and Awareness: It ensures that future generations learn about Pearl Harbor and its significance in American and world history.

Ways to Commemorate

1. Visit Memorials:

   • Pearl Harbor National Memorial: Visit the Pearl Harbor National Memorial in Hawaii, which includes the USS Arizona Memorial, the USS Oklahoma Memorial, and the USS Utah Memorial. These sites offer a poignant reminder of the lives lost and the resilience of the survivors.
   • Local Monuments: Visit local war memorials or museums that feature exhibits on Pearl Harbor and World War II.

2. Attend Ceremonies:

   • Commemorative Events: Attend commemorative ceremonies held at military bases, veterans' organizations, and public venues. These events often include speeches, wreath-laying ceremonies, and moments of silence.
   • Virtual Events: Participate in virtual remembrance events and live streams, especially if you cannot attend in person.

3. Fly the Flag at Half-Staff:

   • Flag Protocol: In accordance with federal law, fly the American flag at half-staff on December 7th to honor the lives lost during the Pearl Harbor attack.

4. Educate Yourself and Others:

   • Documentaries and Films: Watch documentaries, films, or historical footage about the Pearl Harbor attack to gain a deeper understanding of the events and their impact. Notable films include "Pearl Harbor" and "Tora! Tora! Tora!"
   • Books and Articles: Read books and articles about Pearl Harbor, such as "At Dawn We Slept" by Gordon W. Prange and "Pearl Harbor: From Infamy to Greatness" by Craig Nelson.

5. Share Stories:

   • Survivor Accounts: Share stories and interviews with Pearl Harbor survivors. Many organizations, like the Pearl Harbor Survivors Association, provide access to personal accounts and testimonies.
   • Social Media: Use social media to share information, stories, and tributes to those affected by the Pearl Harbor attack. Use hashtags like #PearlHarborRemembranceDay and #RememberPearlHarbor.

6. Support Veterans:

   • Veterans' Organizations: Donate to or volunteer with organizations that support World War II veterans and their families. Organizations like the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), and Wounded Warrior Project offer various ways to get involved.
   • Community Service: Engage in community service projects that honor veterans, such as visiting nursing homes, writing letters of appreciation, or participating in veteran-focused events.

Fun Facts About Pearl Harbor

1. USS Arizona: The USS Arizona, one of the most iconic ships sunk during the attack, still rests at the bottom of Pearl Harbor. The USS Arizona Memorial, built over the wreckage, is a solemn tribute to the 1,177 crewmen who lost their lives.
2. Codebreakers: American codebreakers had cracked parts of the Japanese communication codes before the attack, but the intelligence was not specific enough to prevent the attack on Pearl Harbor.
3. Post-Attack: In the months following the Pearl Harbor attack, the U.S. military launched the Doolittle Raid on Tokyo in April 1942, boosting American morale and demonstrating the U.S. resolve.

Inspirational Quotes About Remembrance and Sacrifice

1. "Yesterday, December 7, 1941—a date which will live in infamy—the United States of America was suddenly and deliberately attacked by naval and air forces of the Empire of Japan." – Franklin D. Roosevelt
2. "To all our veterans: Thank you for your courage, your sacrifice, and your dedication to keeping us safe and free." – Unknown
3. "Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it." – George Santayana

Conclusion

National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day is a solemn observance dedicated to honoring the lives lost and the bravery displayed during the attack on Pearl Harbor. Whether visiting memorials, attending ceremonies, flying the flag at half-staff, educating yourself and others, sharing stories, or supporting veterans, there are many ways to commemorate this important day. National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day ensures that the memory of Pearl Harbor remains vivid and that the sacrifices of those who served are never forgotten.