REMEMBER: At 7:55 a.m. on Dec. 7, 1941, an event happened that changed the course of American history: Japan forces attacked Pearl Harbor.
We honor the 2,390 Americans who lost their lives in the attack every year on this day during National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day.
The Pearl Harbor National Memorial is commemorating this year’s anniversary with the theme “Above and Beyond the Call.” This theme “represents a milestone of its own, as the first December 7 commemoration to follow the nationwide commemoration of the 75th anniversary of the end of WWII,” memorial officials stated.
They explained the 2020 ceremony will focus on Battlefield Oahu.
“The experiences of the soldiers, Marines, Coast Guardsmen and sailors defending Oahu, as well as the civilians caught in the crossfire, would exemplify courage under fire and perseverance. Their spirit at the beginning of the long crucible of war would frame the template for the securing of victory and peace.”
While this year’s ceremony will be closed to the public, the event will be livestreamed on the Pearl Harbor National Memorial Facebook page, as well as at www.pearlharborevents.com.
The ceremony will include a moment of silence at 7:55 a.m., along with a keynote address by Admiral John Aquilino, commander of the U.S. Pacific Fleet.
“Highlights of the ceremony will also include music by the Navy’s Pacific Fleet Band, a Hawaiian blessing, wreath presentations, a rifle salute by the U.S. Marine Corps, a vintage aircraft flyover, and echo taps in recognition of the men and women who survived the attack and those who made the ultimate sacrifice for their country.”
