Pearl Harbor Attack Commemoration Set For Sunday

The National Park Service and the U. S. Navy will host a joint memorial ceremony commemorating the 67th anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7th on board Naval Station Pearl Harbor’s Kilo Pier from 7:40 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. The theme of the program is “Pacific War Memories: The Heroic Response to Pearl Harbor.” The Kilo Pier venue looks directly out to the USS Arizona Memorial situated in Pearl Harbor approximately half a mile away. 

More than 2,000 distinguished guests and the general public will join military personnel, both active and Pearl Harbor survivors, for the annual observance of the 1941 attack on Pearl Harbor. 

The theme of this year’s historic commemoration will be the brave efforts of those who fought at sea, on land and in the air to turn the tide in the Pacific. For military who serve today, this ceremony provides a study of lessons learned and an opportunity to express gratitude towards the Pearl Harbor veterans.

Thomas C. Griffin, one of the Doolittle raiders, and Admiral Robert F. Willard, commander of the U.S. Pacific Fleet, will serve as the keynote speakers for the commemoration. 

Highlights of the ceremony will include music by the U.S. Pacific Fleet Band, morning colors, a Hawaiian blessing, a rifle salute by members of the U.S. Marine Corps, wreath observations, echo taps, and recognition of the men and women who survived that December 7, 1941, attack and those who made the ultimate sacrifice for their country.

At 7:55 a.m., the exact moment the Japanese attack began 67 years ago, a moment of silence will be observed.  The Pearl Harbor-based Arleigh Burke-class Aegis destroyer USS Chung-Hoon (DDG-93) will render honors to the USS Arizona.  Military aircraft will fly over the memorial in a “missing man” formation.