Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day
Remember December 7, 1941 - a date which will live in infamy. Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day honors those who died in the surprise attack that brought America into World War II. Pay tribute to the heroes and victims.
About Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day
Remember December 7, 1941 - a date which will live in infamy. Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day honors those who died in the surprise attack that brought America into World War II. Pay tribute to the heroes and victims.
History & origins
Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day is the U.S. observance held each year on December 7 to honor the Americans killed and wounded in the surprise attack on Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, on December 7, 1941. Congress designated it in 1994 as National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day, and presidents have since issued annual proclamations urging Americans to remember the attack and fly the flag at half-staff. The observance is rooted in the attack’s role in bringing the United States into World War II.
Why it matters
Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day keeps a defining World War II loss from fading into history and gives families, veterans, and communities a shared moment to honor sacrifice. It also connects remembrance to civic memory, since the attack reshaped U.S. military policy, public life, and the nation’s wartime role in the Pacific.
How to celebrate
Observe a moment of silence. Visit the Pearl Harbor Memorial (or online). Learn about the attack and its impact. Honor survivors and victims. Watch historical documentaries. Fly flags at half-staff.
Facts
- 2,403 Americans died in the attack
- The attack lasted less than two hours
- Eight battleships were damaged or destroyed
- The USS Arizona Memorial marks where the ship sank
- President Roosevelt's speech called it 'a date which will live in infamy'
Upcoming dates
- Monday, December 7, 2026
- Tuesday, December 7, 2027
- Thursday, December 7, 2028
- Friday, December 7, 2029
- Saturday, December 7, 2030
Frequently asked questions
When is Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day in 2026?
Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day in 2026 is on Monday, December 7, 2026. It is observed on the same date every year.
What is Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day?
It is a U.S. day of remembrance for the people killed, wounded, and affected by the attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941. The observance honors service members, civilians, survivors, and the broader World War II legacy.
Who started Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day?
Congress designated the observance in 1994. Presidents later continued the tradition with annual proclamations calling for remembrance and half-staff flags.
How do you celebrate Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day?
A respectful observance often includes a moment of silence, visiting a memorial, learning about Pearl Harbor history, or watching a documentary. Many people also honor survivors and victims by flying the U.S. flag at half-staff.
Is Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day a federal holiday?
No, it is not a federal holiday. It is a national day of remembrance, so most schools, businesses, and government offices stay open.
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