The National Park Service at Pearl Harbor National Memorial and Honouliuli National Historic Site in partnership with Pearl Harbor Historic Parks are hosting a series of events this Memorial Day weekend to honor and remember all who have lost their lives while serving in the U.S. armed forces.
“This Memorial Day weekend is a chance for families and visitors to reflect on the service and sacrifices made during the December 7 attack on Pearl Harbor and throughout World War II, moments that helped shape our nation’s history,” said Pacific Historic Parks President and CEO Aileen Utterdyke in a release. “It’s through these shared experiences that we build understanding, foster remembrance, and inspire future generations to never forget the courage and resilience of the Greatest Generation.”
Admission and parking will be free for all events.
All weekend
Floral tribute and name cards
Visitors will have the opportunity to offer a floral tribute and receive a name card honoring one of the veterans memorialized at Pearl Harbor.
May 24 to 26, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Free guided tours of the USS Utah and USS Oklahoma Memorials
To reach the two memorials, board the regular shuttle service to the USS Missouri and Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum. Visitors can then catch a separate free shuttle between the two memorials every half hour where NPS staff will provide a 30-minute tour honoring those lost aboard these ships.
May 24
Noon to 1:30 p.m. - “Mountains of Memory, Depths of Gratitude” presentation and book signing
Author Dr. Gail Okawa will share the stories of Japanese American veterans of the highly decorated 100th Infantry Battalion, 442nd Regimental Combat Team and Military Intelligence Service, known for their “Go for Broke” motto and illustrating resilience in the face of prejudice while many of their families were held in internment camps drawn from her book, “Remembering Our Grandfather’s Exile.” A book signing outside the bookstore will follow the presentation.
1 p.m. - Naturalization Ceremony at the Education Center
May 25
7 to 9 a.m. - American Legion Flag Planting Tribute
6:30 to 9 p.m. - Movie in the Park
The public is invited to an outdoor screening of the film, “From Here to Eternity” on the lawn overlooking the USS Arizona Memorial with refreshments available for purchase at the snack shop. The film stars Burt Lancaster and Frank Sinatra set in the days leading up to the attack on Pearl Harbor.
Memorial Day, May 26
8 a.m. to 4 p.m. - Free Admission for Military and Veterans
Free admission applies to all active-duty and retired military personnel and their dependents with valid military ID, and veterans with acceptable veteran ID. Participating sites are the Battleship Missouri Memorial, Pacific Fleet Submarine Museum, Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum and Pacific Historic Parks (free self-guided audio tours and the Pearl Harbor Virtual Reality Experience). For those with base access to Ford Island, free admission can be obtained at the entrance of each site.
9 a.m. to noon - Flag Folding Ceremony
10 a.m. to noon - Live Dive of the USS Arizona
This unique opportunity will provide the public with an up-close look at the current condition of the sunken battleship as the Pearl Harbor dive team, U.S. Navy divers, NPS Submerged Resources Center and members of the Wounded Warrior Project present a special live dive. Attendees will receive real-time insights and historical context about the sunken battleship and the final resting place of its 1,177 crew members who perished during the Dec. 7, 1941 attack.
12:30 to 12:45 p.m. - Memorial Day Commemorative Ceremony
Join with others in a brief commemorative gathering with the ringing of the USS Arizona bell, a moment of silence, and the playing of taps to remember those who gave their lives in service to the nation.
Editor’s note: The article has been updated with detailed information on events. (May 22, 2025)
