On the morning of December 7, 1941, a Sunday morning not unlike this upcoming Sunday, the course of American history changed forever. The Japanese military descended on the U.S. Navy base at Pearl Harbor in Hawaii, destroying battleships, aircraft, and facilities during the shocking attack 84 years ago that eventually led to the post-war creation of the Blinded Veterans Association and similar organizations that still today serve as advocates for veterans. The events are recalled this weekend and especially on Sunday’s National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day. 

The following events will be held at the Pearl Harbor National Memorial and Ford Island: Rosie the Riveter Signing (this afternoon), the USS Utah Memorial Sunset Ceremony (Saturday afternoon), the National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day Commemoration Ceremony (Sunday morning), the USS Oklahoma Ceremony (Sunday afternoon), and the Blackened Canteen Ceremony (Monday). Several of the events will be livestreamed on YouTube, the information for which can be accessed by clicking here. Please note that the times provided on the site are for Hawaii Standard Time, five hours behind Eastern Time.   

Within only a few hours of the beginning of the attack, more than 2,400 Americans were killed, and over a thousand were wounded. The attack propelled the United States into World War II, marking the beginning of a defining chapter in our nation’s history. In his address that evening to the nation, then President Franklin D. Roosevelt uttered the well-known pronouncement that December 7 would be a day that would forever live in infamy. 

Each year, on National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day, our nation and others pause to remember those who lost their lives, those who survived, and the countless others who answered the call to serve on land and at sea in the years that followed. 

In addition to the thousands of civilians and service members who lost their lives or were injured, countless others bore witness to the destruction. The attack permanently sank two battleships, damaged others, and destroyed 188 aircraft. In 1986, Congress officially designated December 7 as National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day under Public Law 99-534. Members of Congress requested that the President issue a proclamation in observance of the day. 

The theme of this year’s Pearl Harbor Day of Remembrance is “Building Pathways to Peace,” which invites Americans to reflect on the sacrifices made by service members to preserve freedom and end World War II. 

Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day is a meaningful way to recognize the courage, sacrifice, and resilience of American service members while reflecting on the importance of peace and unity for future generations. Regardless of where we are located within the country, there are ways to participate and show respect for those who faced unimaginable horrors on December 7, 1941. 

Commemorating Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day in 2025: 

• Attend a memorial ceremony: Local, state, and national ceremonies often include speeches, moments of silence, and tributes to survivors and fallen service members. 

• Lower flags to half-staff: Many government buildings, military facilities, and communities honor those who died in the attack by lowering the American flag to half-staff. 

• Participate in moments of silence or prayer: Many communities observe a two-minute moment of remembrance at 7:55 a.m., which is the exact time the first bombs fell. 

• Tour a U.S. Navy Ship or museum: Some naval ships and military museums hold open houses, guided tours, or special ceremonies on December 7. 

• Visit the Pearl Harbor National Memorial: The memorial in Hawaii, which includes the USS Arizona Memorial, offers a solemn opportunity to reflect on the lives lost and learn about the attack’s history.