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National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day is observed every year on December 7 to honor the individuals who lost their lives during the attack on Pearl Harbor. Also referred to as Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day or Pearl Harbor Day, this day commemorates the events of December 7, 1941, when approximately 2,403 people were killed in the Pearl Harbor attack in Hawaii during World War II. It serves as a tribute to those who sacrificed their lives in this tragic event.
“What separates us from the animals, what separates us from the chaos, Is our ability to Mourn people we have never met.”
National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day Observance
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | December 7 | Saturday |
| 2025 | December 7 | Sunday |
| 2026 | December 7 | Monday |
| 2027 | December 7 | Tuesday |
| 2028 | December 7 | Thursday |
History of National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day
On August 23, 1994, the United States Congress designated December 7 of each year as National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day. This date commemorates the Imperial Japanese Navy Air Service’s surprise attack on Pearl Harbor, a U.S. Navy base in Honolulu, Hawaii, on the morning of December 7, 1941.
The attack caught the American military off guard, resulting in a significant loss of life and equipment. Nearly 2,000 people were killed, and approximately 1,000 were injured. The American Navy suffered heavy losses, including a large proportion of its battleships stationed in the Pacific region. However, the Japanese forces also incurred losses, including five midget submarines and 29 aircraft.
The Japanese military believed that the attack on Pearl Harbor would prevent the United States from expanding its influence in the Pacific region. Instead, the very next day, America declared war on Japan, marking its entry into World War II. Shortly thereafter, Germany declared war on the United States, escalating the global conflict.
The slogan “Remember Pearl Harbor” resonated deeply across the United States, and radio stations frequently played a song of the same name to rally national morale.
To honor the memory of the attack, the United States Congress created the Pearl Harbor Commemorative Medal in 1991 to mark the 50th anniversary of the event. Also known as the Pearl Harbor Survivor’s Medal, it is awarded to former U.S. military personnel who were present in or around Pearl Harbor during the Japanese attack.
Other Celebrations on December 7
December 7 is also celebrated as
How to Celebrate the Day
The best way to celebrate National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day is by honoring those who lost their lives in the attack on Pearl Harbor. Every year on December 7, the flag of the United States of America should be displayed at the White House, on the homes of Americans, and at all United States government buildings. The flag should be flown at half-mast to commemorate the victims of the Pearl Harbor attack. Additionally, you can share your thoughts and post pictures on social media using the hashtags #PearlHarborDay or #PearlHarborRemembranceDay to spread awareness about this important day.