You are here

Home » Memorial Ceremony for Pearl Harbor Day

Memorial Ceremony for Pearl Harbor Day

Share

Published Date

December 6, 2008
Wreath at 2005 Pearl Harbor ceremony.

Wreath from the first ever joint Navy/NPS Pearl Harbor Day commemoration, held in 2005 at the USS Arizona Memorial Visitor Center. Photo by Ray Sandla

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 Sunday morning, December 7th. The event will be conducted on board Naval Station Pearl Harbor’s Kilo Pier from 7:40 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. The Kilo Pier venue looks directly out to the USS Arizona Memorial, situated approximately a half-mile away in Pearl Harbor.

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, “Pacific War Memories: The Heroic Response to Pearl Harbor,” will reflect on remembering 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.

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 on December 7, 1941, and those who made the ultimate sacrifice for their country.

Keynote speakers for the event will be Mr. Thomas C. Griffin, Doolittle Raider, and Admiral Robert F. Willard, Commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet.

A moment of silence will be observed at 7:55 a.m., the exact moment the Japanese attack began 67 years ago. 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.

The commemoration is free of charge, and a limited number of seats are open to the general public. Due to strict security measures on Naval Station Pearl Harbor, only invited guests will be allowed access on base in their vehicles. General public wishing to attend the commemoration will be required to board U.S. Navy boats departing from the USS Arizona Memorial Visitor Center, which will transport guests to the commemoration site at Kilo Pier.

If you plan to attend the event, details on parking, access, security measures and other important details are available on the website for the USS Arizona Memorial.

Story Categories:

Support National Parks Traveler

National Parks Traveler is a small, editorially independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit media organization. The Traveler is not part of the federal government nor a corporate subsidiary. Your support helps ensure the Traveler's news and feature coverage of national parks and protected areas endures. 

EIN: 26-2378789

Support Essential Coverage of Essential Places

A copy of National Parks Traveler's financial statements may be obtained by sending a stamped, self-addressed envelope to: National Parks Traveler, P.O. Box 980452, Park City, Utah 84098. National Parks Traveler was formed in the state of Utah for the purpose of informing and educating about national parks and protected areas.

Residents of the following states may obtain a copy of our financial and additional information as stated below:

  • Florida: A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION FOR NATIONAL PARKS TRAVELER, (REGISTRATION NO. CH 51659), MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING 800-435-7352 OR VISITING THEIR WEBSITE. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE.
  • Georgia: A full and fair description of the programs and financial statement summary of National Parks Traveler is available upon request at the office and phone number indicated above.
  • Maryland: Documents and information submitted under the Maryland Solicitations Act are also available, for the cost of postage and copies, from the Secretary of State, State House, Annapolis, MD 21401 (410-974-5534).
  • North Carolina: Financial information about this organization and a copy of its license are available from the State Solicitation Licensing Branch at 888-830-4989 or 919-807-2214. The license is not an endorsement by the State.
  • Pennsylvania: The official registration and financial information of National Parks Traveler may be obtained from the Pennsylvania Department of State by calling 800-732-0999. Registration does not imply endorsement.
  • Virginia: Financial statements are available from the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, 102 Governor Street, Richmond, Virginia 23219.
  • Washington: National Parks Traveler is registered with Washington State’s Charities Program as required by law and additional information is available by calling 800-332-4483 or visiting www.sos.wa.gov/charities, or on file at Charities Division, Office of the Secretary of State, State of Washington, Olympia, WA 98504.

Comments

Submitted by admin on December 6, 2008 - 8:26am.

How ironic that on this date I should read this story. A story about a soldier asking for asylum in Germany because he didn’t want to fight, didn’t believe in the war in the middle east. Here is a volunteer who took an oath to serve and wouldn’t and the comments were mostly praising him for his decision. Thank God he and those who support him are the minority. Where would this country be if they were the majority? They disgrace the memory of the self-sacrifice and bravery of those who gave their lives in defense of our country. He and anyone like him should be shot for desertion. I, like many others was drafted, didn’t want to go but did what we had to do. Fly the flag tomorrow to honor all who made the supreme sacrifice.


Submitted by admin on December 6, 2008 - 10:41am.

America's oldest living Medal of Honor recipient, living his 100th year is former enlisted Chief Petty Officer, Aviation Chief Ordnanceman (ACOM), later wartime commissioned Lieutenant John W. Finn, USN (Ret.). He is also the last surviving Medal of Honor, "The Day of Infamy", Japanese Attack on the Hawaiian Islands, Naval Air Station, Kaneohe Bay, Oahu, Territory of Hawaii, 7 December 1941.

Visit my photo album tribute:

http://news.webshots.com/album/141695570BONFYl

San Diego, California


Add comment

CAPTCHA

This question is for testing whether or not you are a human visitor and to prevent automated spam submissions.

Image CAPTCHA
Enter the characters shown in the image.

Your support helps the National Parks Traveler increase awareness of the wonders and issues confronting national parks and protected areas.

Support Our Mission

INN Member

The easiest way to explore RV-friendly National Park campgrounds.

The Essential RVing Guide to the National Parks

Here’s the definitive guide to National Park System campgrounds where RVers can park their rigs.

Our app is packed with RVing- specific details on more than 250 campgrounds in more than 70 national parks.

You’ll also find stories about RVing in the parks, tips helpful if you’ve just recently become an RVer, and useful planning suggestions.

The Essential RVing Guide to the National Parks

FREE for iPhones and Android phones.