Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day 2016 - The 75th Anniverary of the Attack on Pearl Harbor
This year, on December 7, 2016, marks the 75th anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor, that infamous day in 1941 when the bombing of the US Naval Base in Hawaii incited the US’s involvement in World War II. The Pearl Harbor Historic Sites are the ideal place to both commemorate this tragic event and celebrate the legacy of those brave men and women who contributed to the American war effort.
Planning to visit Pearl Harbor on Remembrance Day?
If you are planning on visiting Oahu, especially during December and on Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day 2016, we highly recommend spending time at each of the Pearl Harbor Historic Sites. The Go Oahu Card includes admission to the below Pearl Harbor Historic Sites...
- USS Arizona Memorial Narrated Tour
- Battleship Missouri
- USS Bowfin Submarine Museum
- Pacific Aviation Museum
See all available Oahu passes, attractions & prices. Please note, events taking place at the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center will be held at 1 Arizona Memorial Place. Visit the official website for a full schedule of events taking place during the month.
USS Arizona Memorial
The USS Arizona Memorial is one of the most visited landmarks in all of Oahu. This memorial honors the 1,177 crewmen who perished in the December 7th attack with a compelling 2-hour self-guided audio tour. This tour takes you to dozens of points of interest throughout the Pearl Harbor Historic Sites National Park, each of which contributes to a richer understanding of the events of Pearl Harbor Day.
Related events taking place this Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day 2016
USS Arizona Reunion Association Wreath Laying Ceremony - Free, Open to the Public
This solemn ceremony is for the survivors and association members to honor the fallen. Location: National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific When: Friday December 2 - 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Expedition Arizona - free, Open to the Public
Experience the underwater world of USS Arizona during this NPS presentation of recent expeditions to preserve both the ship and its legacy. Location: Pearl Harbor Visitor Center Theater When: Saturday December 3 - 3 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
- 3:00-3:30 - A Digital Arizona - Scott Pawlowski
- 3:30-4:00 - Beneath Pearl Harbor - Brett Seymour & Naomi Blinick
- 4:00-5:00 - Expedition Pearl Harbor – Carsten Oblaender & Brett Seymour
- 5:00-5:30 - Panel discussion and Q & A
USS Bowfin Submarine Museum
Next, spend some time at the USS Bowfin Submarine. The USS Bowfin is one of only 15 surviving combat submarines from World War II and is a can’t-miss attraction for WWII buffs. Also known as the “Pearl Harbor Avenger,” this impressive ship actually sank 44 different enemy ships. Today, the USS Bowfin Museum highlights the crucial role that submarines played during World War II and the legacy of these early era submarines. It’s perfect for fans of naval history and big ships in general.
Related events taking place this Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day 2016
Freedom Bell Ringing - free, open to the public
Remember the service of loved ones to our country by ringing the Spirit of Liberty Foundation Freedom Bell at the USS Bowfin Submarine Museum & Park. Location: USS Bowfin Submarine Museum & Park When: Multiple days...
- Tuesday December 6th - 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Wednesday December 7th - 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
- Thursday December 8th - 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Friday December 9th - 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Saturday December 10th - 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Pacific Aviation Museum
Of course, you’ll also want to explore the comprehensive Pacific Aviation Museum, another integral part of the Pearl Harbor Historic Sites. Filled with all things aviation and with a special focus on the materials and equipment used in World War II, this Museum will be like candy for flight buffs. You’ll see genuine aircraft, interactive exhibits, compelling films, and other archival material. Take a guided tour, hop inside the cockpit of an interactive flight simulator, and marvel at the work being undertaken in the Restoration Hangar.
Related events taking place this Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day 2016
"For Love of Country—Pass It On" Opening Gala - Ticketed Event
Gala will include cocktails, dinner, entertainment, and auction. Guests will get a first look at newly restored aircraft fresh out of Lt. Ted Shealy’s Restoration Shop. Location: Pacific Aviation Museum When: Saturday December 3 - 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Ford Island Aerological Tower Dedication - Free, Open to the Public
This event will dedicate newly restored areas, including the aerological tower and a portion of the library/archival area. Location: Pacific Aviation Museum When: Sunday December 4 - 1 p.m. to 2 p.m.
"Remember Pearl Harbor" Documentary Film Premiere - Ticketed Event
This one-hour documentary, features interviews with a combined 36 WWII veterans, with the focus on more than a dozen Pearl Harbor survivors and eye-witnesses. Location: Pacific Aviation Museum When: Sunday December 4 - 2 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
108th Army Band Performance - Free, Open to the Public
Enjoy a wonderful live military band performance, playing a variety of patriotic and stirring melodies. Location: Pacific Aviation Museum When: Thursday December 8 - 2 p.m. to 2:45 p.m
"Righteous Revenge" - Ticketed Event
Local TV newscaster, actor and playwright Mr. Joe Moore will be joined by television personality and "Wheel of Fortune" host Mr. Pat Sajak for a reprise of Moore's play, "Righteous Revenge." Location: Pacific Aviation Museum When: Friday December 9 - 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Battleship Missouri Museum
Pay a visit to the Battleship Missouri Memorial, hosted in a real naval warship. The Battleship Missouri was commissioned in 1944 to contribute to the World War II efforts in the Pacific. Nicknamed “Mighty Mo,” this famous ship was actually the official site of Japanese surrender at the end of the War. While the Missouri continued to serve on active duty during the Korean War and the Gulf War, in 1999 it was brought to Honolulu and opened as a one-of-a-kind floating museum. Today, Mighty Mo is one of the three major sites along a comprehensive historic Pearl Harbor tour (along with the USS Arizona Memorial and the USS Bowfin Submarine & Museum). We recommend visiting the Battleship Missouri last of the three, as a fitting symbolic end to your tour.
Related events taking place this Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day 2016
75th Anniversary Pearl Harbor Mass Band Performance - Free, Open to the Public
To commemorate the 75th anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor, a Mass Band performance will feature over 1,000 student musicians paying respect, remembering, and never forgetting the tragedies of World War II by presenting the world, "A Gift of Music" via international webcast on December 7th, 2016. Location: Battleship Missouri Memorial When: Wednesday December 7 - Noon to 1 p.m.
Let's Recap Pearl Harbor Day 2016
The 75th anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor is an opportunity to honor the sacrifice and dedication of our "Greatest Generation" both civilian and military. The events of that date triggered our resolve as a nation, our can-do attitude and resourcefulness and an unmatched commitment to the defense of freedom. A key focus of the commemoration of the 75th anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor will be a brighter future in our relationship with Japan and the celebration of 71 years of peace between us.