National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day
National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day:
Observed annually on every December 7th, the National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day is dedicated to remembering and honoring the soldiers and civilians who lost their lives due to a surprise attack by Japan on Pearl Harbour in Hawaii this day in 1941. This surprise attack also was key to trigger the US to attack Japan the next day and thereby entered WWII.
Year | Date | Day | Where |
2020 | 7th December | Monday | United States |
2021 | 7th December | Tuesday | United States |
2022 | 7th December | Wednesday | United States |
Twitter Hashtags:
#NationalPearlHarborRemembranceDay
#PearlHarborRemembranceDay
Related: Other National Days Celebrated on December 7th:
Why Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day?
The Imperial Japanese Navy Air Service on December 7, 1941, made a surprise attack on Pearl Harbour Naval station, Hawaii, ending the lives of 2,403 Americans and 1,178 others who were left injured in the neutral United States.
Four of the U.S. Navy Battleships sank and four others were damaged. This deadly attack also wrecked one minelayer, three destroyers, and three cruisers. Over 188 aircraft were destroyed and 159 more were damaged.
Within hours, Canada declared war on Japan for Pearl Harbour. And the next day, December 8th the US entered WWII to fight Japan. However, within the next four days, Japan’s ally Germany and Italy also declared war on the US.
Over a decade before the Pearl Harbour Attack, Japan and the US were always on the brink of war over economic sanctions imposed against Japan. But the US wasn’t convinced about involvement in WWII after an immense loss during WWI and thus stayed neutral. The US imposed economic sanctions and trade restrictions on Japan as it had been very hostile towards China declared war on it in 1937.
In line with the 50th anniversary of Pearl Harbour attack, the Congress awarded the Pearl Harbour Survivors Medal that goes by the name Pearl Harbor Commemorative Medal to all the people who served the U.S Armed Forces and were present in Hawaii and involved in combat against Japan on December 7th, 1941. The civilians who lost their lives and were injured during this event also were awarded this honorary medal.
So every year since 1994, on every Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day many people, especially relatives linked to the Pearl Harbor attack, gather for memorial services at various Pearl Harbor Memorials. Today, the American flag is displayed on the White House, US government buildings, and every home across the US as directed by the President. The flag is also flown at half-mast to honor lost lives, casualties and remember What the US did after the attack that day!
The day also involves events such as Keynote speeches, wreath-laying ceremonies, luncheons, etc, and students are educated about the attack concerning WWII. Many other organizations also hold many such events to commemorate the day.
How Can We Observe National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day?
- Let the American flag fly at your house today
Hoist the American flag at your home today to honor the lives lost and injured as well as to feel proud about the actions taken by the US after the attack.
- Visit a Pearl Harbour Memorial
There are many memorials built-in memory of the deadly attack on Pearl Harbour on this day in 1941. You could visit the USS Arizona memorial, the USS Utah Memorial, and other memorials to know more about the brave acts of the US.
- Participate in Pearl Harbour Memorial Services
Memorial services for the Pearl Harbour attack take place at various memorials and also by various other organizations. Try participating in public services in whatever ways possible!
- Learn more about the Pearl Harbour attack
You may also observe the day by broadening your knowledge base by learning more about the Pearl Harbour attack.
- Share your thoughts about Pearl Harbour Remembrance Day on Social Media
Remember the day by sharing whatever you have learned on Social Media with family and friends. Challenge yourself by putting yourselves in the shoes of the US and Japan. Use #NationalPearlHarborRemembranceDay and #PearlHarborRemembranceDay to share on social media today!
Interesting Facts About National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day:
Here are a few interesting facts surrounding the Pearl Harbour attack
- The first shot fired on December 7th, 1941 was from the USS destroyer on a Japanese midget submarine
- The Pearl Harbour attack was caused by naval and air attack lasting two hours
- The attack triggered the US to enter WWII in 1941 by declaring war against Japan
- Italy and Germany were the allies of Japan who further imposed war on the US after it declared the war on Japan
- The Pacific fleets were not all destroyed in the attack. Thereby allowing the US to declare war on Japan within hours of their attack.
History Of National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day:
The United States Congress in 1994 nominated December 7th as the National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day. However, it is not a federal holiday although it is federally recognized.