PEARL HARBOR NATIONAL MEMORIAL, Hawaii — The date of Dec. 7 is etched in the hearts and minds of every American citizen as a day to remember, honor and pay respects to the Greatest Generation who gave their lives in service to a nation in need.

What You Need To Know

  • The public is invited to attend the 81st anniversary of the Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day Commemoration on Dec. 7

  • Program begins at 7:50 a.m. and will continue until 9 a.m.

  • Parking and event seating are limited

  • Parking opens at 5 a.m. and guests are asked to be seated by 7:15 a.m.

Hundreds of military personnel, veterans and their families, and the public are set to gather at the Pearl Harbor National Memorial on Wednesday to observe the 81st anniversary of the National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day Commemoration.

The theme of this year’s event, “Everlasting Legacy,” has the goal of ensuring future generations will know, understand and remember the legacy of World War II veterans, who perished, fought and sacrificed in the war with Japan. The occasion also highlights the importance of peace and reconciliation as the nation moves forward and faces threats both inside and out.

To commemorate the 81st anniversary, the mayor’s office issued a statement from Mayor Rick Blangiardi, “Eighty-one years ago, in the early morning hours of December 7th, bombs fell from the skies over Oahu in the unprovoked attack on Pearl Harbor. More than 2,400 men, women and children lost their lives on that fateful day.

“On this National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day, we mourn and remember those that made the ultimate sacrifice that helped preserve the liberty and freedom we all enjoy today. Let’s also take a moment to honor the brave men and women who currently serve in our Armed Forces, who selflessly and courageously protect our island home and this nation.”

U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz said in a statement, “On this day in 1941, our nation was attacked at Pearl Harbor, starting the American involvement in World War II. More than 2,400 service members and civilians were killed on the shores of Hawaii that morning, and every day our state is humbled to be responsible for honoring their bravery.

“On Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day, we honor the sacrifice and service of all those who were lost that day, as well as everyone who dedicated the following four years to defending our nation and preserving freedom around the world. We’ve since seen lasting peace in the Pacific, and for that, we are forever grateful. These heroes represented the very best of us — may we try our best to live up to their example.”

In a statement, U.S. Sen. Mazie Hirono said, “It’s been 81 years since the attack on Pearl Harbor, a painful day in our nation’s history that took the lives of over 2,000 service members and civilians. May we continue to honor the memory, courage, and sacrifices made on that solemn day.”

Open to the public, the commemorative program begins at 7:50 a.m. and will continue until 9 a.m. at the Pearl Harbor National Memorial. The keynote speaker will be Charles “Chuck” Sams III, director of the National Park Service.

The program’s early start marks the precise time when Japanese warplanes released their bombs on Oahu, killing 2,403 service members and civilians.

Parking and event seating are limited. Parking opens at 5 a.m. and guests are asked to be seated by 7:15 a.m.

Under the direction of the President of the United States, Gov. Josh B. Green, M.D., has ordered the U.S. flag and Hawaii state flag to be flown at half-staff at the Hawaii State Capitol and all state offices and agencies, as well as the Hawaii National Guard in the State of Hawaii from sunrise until sunset on Dec. 7.

“Today, the first lady and I were able to honor in solemn remembrance at the Pearl Harbor National Memorial the sacrifices of the thousands of men and women who lost their lives on Dec. 7, 1941, during an attack that shook Hawaii and our nation,” said Gov. Green.

The USS Oklahoma Ceremony at 1 p.m. on the same day is only open to those with military base access. This ceremony, along with the Blackened Canteen Ceremony and USS Utah Memorial Ceremony, both held on Dec. 6, will be live-streamed and captioned for people to view through Defense Media Activity Pacific via the Pearl Harbor National Memorial website, Facebook page and Pearl Harbor Events website (click “Schedule of Events” at the top of the page).

Sarah Yamanaka covers events, environmental and community news for Spectrum News Hawaii. She can be reached at sarah.yamanaka@charter.com.

EDITOR'S NOTE: The original story has been updated to include comments by Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi, U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz, U.S. Sen. Mazie Hirono and Gov. Josh Green. (Dec. 7, 2022)