PEARL HARBOR REMEMBRANCE DAY

Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day: Honoring Courage, Sacrifice, and the Day That Awoke a Nation 

Each year on December 7, Americans come together to remember the morning that changed the course of history. At 7:55 a.m. on that quiet Sunday, Japanese aircraft descended on the U.S. Pacific Fleet at Pearl Harbor, devastating eight battleships and dozens of other vessels. In just a few hours, more than 2,400 service members and civilians lost their lives, and over 1,100 more were wounded. 

The attack thrust the United States into World War II, transforming a nation at peace into one committed to defending freedom worldwide. 

Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day honors not only those who were lost, but also the survivors, men and women who faced unimaginable chaos and went on to serve with courage across the Pacific. It is a day to reflect on their strength, the resolve that followed, and the generation that stood together in America's darkest hour. 

Across the country and at the USS Arizona Memorial, ceremonies remind us of that morning's shock and heroism. For veterans, families, and all who remember, this day remains one characterized by both grief and gratitude, a promise that their service and sacrifice will never be forgotten. 

HERO SPOTLIGHT

John William Finn: The First American Hero of World War II 

John William Finn was born on July 24, 1909, in Los Angeles, California. At just 17, he made a decision that would shape his life: he enlisted in the Navy. Over the years that followed, he honed his skills as an aviation ordnanceman, a specialist responsible for maintaining and arming aircraft weapon systems. It was demanding, meticulous work that required both technical expertise and steady hands.

On the morning of Dec. 7, 1941, Finn was stationed at Kaneohe Bay Naval Air Station in Oahu. He was a Chief Petty Officer by then, respected by those who served alongside him. When the Japanese attack began, chaos erupted across the airfield. Finn didn't hesitate. He raced from his quarters and took position behind a .50-caliber machine gun mounted on an open, completely exposed platform.

For nearly two hours, he stood his ground, firing at the low-flying enemy aircraft that swept overhead. There was no cover, no protection, just Finn and his gun against wave after wave of attackers. He was hit repeatedly by shrapnel and bullets, suffering numerous wounds that would have driven most men to seek shelter. But he refused to leave his post until the assault finally ended.

When the guns fell silent, the devastation was overwhelming. The airfield was in ruins, with 18 of its 33 aircraft destroyed. Yet Finn's defiance in those critical moments had made a difference, helping to defend against the attackers and inspiring others around him to stand and fight.

For his extraordinary courage, John Finn received the Medal of Honor, the first awarded for actions during World War II. His citation spoke of his "magnificent courage in the face of almost certain death." After recovering from his wounds, he returned to duty and continued serving throughout the war. He was later commissioned as an officer and retired in 1956 as a Lieutenant.

In the decades that followed, Finn remained humble about that terrible morning. He often said he didn't see himself as a hero, just a sailor doing what needed to be done. But those who knew his story understood that his actions represented something profound: the choice to stand firm when everything urged retreat, to fight back when the odds seemed impossible.  

John William Finn lived a long, full life, passing away in 2010 at the age of 100. At the time, he was the oldest living Medal of Honor recipient. His story endures as one of Pearl Harbor's most powerful reminders not just of the attack itself, but of the ordinary people who found extraordinary courage when their country needed it most.  

Today, his name stands alongside the thousands who faced unimaginable danger on December 7, 1941, and made the conscious choice to fight back with everything they had. 

THE HISTORY OF PEARL HARBOR: THE ATTACK THAT CHANGED HISTORY

Before Dec. 7, 1941, the United States remained officially neutral as war raged across Europe and Asia. But Japan’s surprise assault on Pearl Harbor, a strategic strike meant to cripple the U.S. Pacific Fleet, had the opposite effect.  

In less than two hours, hundreds of Japanese planes sank or damaged eight battleships, including the USS Arizona, USS Oklahoma, and USS West Virginia, and destroyed nearly 200 aircraft. The attack killed 2,403 Americans, including sailors, soldiers, Marines, and civilians.

The next day, President Roosevelt addressed Congress, declaring December 7 “a date which will live in infamy.” Congress responded with an almost unanimous vote to enter World War II.

In the months that followed, the nation mobilized like never before. Thousands enlisted, factories retooled for wartime production, and a generation united under one purpose. The attack, meant to break America’s will, instead forged its resolve.

Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day was first commemorated in 1994, when Congress established December 7 as a National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day. Each year, flags are flown at half-staff, survivors are honored, and wreaths are laid upon the waters above the sunken USS Arizona.

What began as a day of mourning has evolved into a day of remembrance and unity, honoring those who served, those who fell, and those who carried forward their legacy. 

WEBSITES AND RESOURCES

Find Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day Observances Near You 

If you’d like to honor the heroes of December 7 and take part in Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day events, the following organizations and resources make it easy to find ceremonies, memorials, and educational opportunities, both in person and online. 

• National Park Service – Pearl Harbor National Memorial: 
  The National Park Service hosts the official annual remembrance ceremony at the USS Arizona Memorial in Honolulu, Hawaii. The event is often livestreamed for those unable to attend in person. You can also explore virtual exhibits, ranger talks, and survivor interviews.  

• Pacific Historic Parks – Commemoration & Volunteer Opportunities: 
  This nonprofit supports the preservation and education efforts at Pearl Harbor National Memorial. Each December, they coordinate volunteer opportunities, wreath-laying ceremonies, and community events across Hawaii and the mainland. 

• The National WWII Museum – Remembrance Events & Webcasts: 
  Located in New Orleans, the museum offers special exhibits, livestreamed ceremonies, and student-focused educational programs around December 7. Their “Road to Tokyo” pavilion provides an in-depth look at Pearl Harbor and its aftermath. 

• American Legion – Local Memorial Services: 
  American Legion posts nationwide host annual remembrance ceremonies, parades, and flag-lowering events. Check your local post’s website or Facebook page to find observances in your area.