On the morning of December 7, 1941, Japanese forces launched a surprise attack on the U.S. naval base at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. More than 2,400 Americans were killed, and the next day the United States declared war on Japan, entering World War II. National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day honors those who died and those who survived. Flags fly at half-staff, ceremonies are held across the country, and survivors and their families gather at the memorial in Hawaii.
History of National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day
By 1941, tensions between the United States and Japan were high as Japan expanded its military operations in Asia. Early on Sunday morning, December 7, Japanese aircraft launched from carriers attacked the U.S. Pacific Fleet at Pearl Harbor on the island of Oahu.
The attack lasted less than two hours but caused enormous damage. Several battleships were sunk or damaged, along with other vessels and hundreds of aircraft. About 2,400 Americans were killed, including civilians, and more than 1,000 were wounded. The battleship USS Arizona exploded and sank, killing 1,177 crew members, nearly half of all those who died in the attack.
The next day, President Franklin D. Roosevelt addressed Congress, describing December 7 as a date that would live in infamy, and Congress declared war on Japan. Days later, Germany and Italy declared war on the United States.
In 1994, Congress designated December 7 as National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day, and the President issues an annual proclamation. The USS Arizona Memorial, built over the sunken battleship, opened in 1962.
Why National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day Matters
The attack on Pearl Harbor changed the course of history, bringing the United States fully into World War II. Remembering it honors those who lost their lives and the generation that served afterward.
As the number of living survivors declines, preserving their stories becomes especially important for future generations.
How to Celebrate National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day
- Fly the flag at half-staff, as directed by the annual proclamation.
- Observe a moment of silence, often held at 7:55 a.m. Hawaii time, when the attack began.
- Learn the history: read survivor accounts or visit the Pearl Harbor National Memorial website.
- Attend a local ceremony hosted by veterans' organizations.
- Support veterans: donate to or volunteer with groups serving World War II veterans' legacies and today's veterans.
Celebrating at Work, School and Home
At work, share a brief moment of reflection or a short historical note in a team message, and recognize colleagues with family connections to World War II service if they'd like to share. In schools, Pearl Harbor is a key topic in history lessons; students can listen to Roosevelt's address, read survivor oral histories or study maps of the attack. Many museums offer free online educational resources. At home, families can watch a documentary together, look at photographs or letters from relatives who served in World War II, or visit a local veterans' memorial. Asking older relatives what they know about that era can preserve stories that might otherwise be lost.
Fun Facts About National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day
- The attack began just before 8 a.m. local time on December 7, 1941.
- 1,177 crew members died aboard the USS Arizona.
- Congress designated the remembrance day in 1994.
National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day FAQs
When is National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day?
It's observed on December 7 every year.
How many people died at Pearl Harbor?
About 2,400 Americans were killed, including 1,177 aboard the USS Arizona.
Is Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day a federal holiday?
No. It's a national day of remembrance, but offices and schools remain open.
Can you visit the USS Arizona Memorial?
Yes. It's part of Pearl Harbor National Memorial in Honolulu, Hawaii.