National Pearl Harbor Day of Remembrance - Learn about American history and American heroes on December 7, the National Pearl Harbor Day of Remembrance. Click here to learn now!

National Pearl Harbor Day of Remembrance 2024 – December 7, 2024

A day of infamy, the day Japan attacked the United States at Pearl Harbor, is commemorated with the National Pearl Harbor Day of Remembrance each year on December 7. On that day in 1941, more than 2,400 people died in Japan’s attack on the Hawaiian base of America’s Pacific Fleet. Hundreds of aircraft were destroyed or damaged, as were most of the ships in the harbor, and thousands of service men and women were killed or injured. It was an unprecedented surprise attack that precipitated the United States entry into WW II as we sided with the Allies and declared war on Japan.

National Pearl Harbor Day of Remembrance timeline

1937
Japan Invades China

Japanese troops attacked China from the North.

1939
World War II begins

WWII begins, with America not joining the war.

December 7, 1941
The Attacks begin

The first attacks on Pearl Harbor started with a wave of planes bombing the harbor for over two hours.

August 1945
Atomic bombs

American troops dropped two atomic bombs in Japan, bringing an end to World War 2.

How to Observe National Pearl Harbor Day of Remembrance

  1. Send a care package to a member of the Armed Forces overseas

    Find a local organization sending care packages—there should be one in your community. Basic grooming needs, phone cards, canned treats, even just a kind note of appreciation are all simple expressions of concern that mean so much to soldiers thousands of miles from home. Get your church or civic organization to help and your impact will be so much greater.

  2. Loved ones staying at home need comfort too

    The families left behind often struggle with expenses and loneliness while their husbands and wives are overseas. Adopt a family in your community and be there to offer help. It could be as simple as attending the kid’s games, dropping off some food, or giving a gas card. Small acts of kindness can help keep a family together even when they are apart.

  3. Treat yourself well, too

    The life you are living today would be impossible without the sacrifices of December 7 and of all the wars this country has been in. Honor the memory of those lost by living the best life you can, and work to make life better for those coming after you.

Why National Pearl Harbor Day of Remembrance is Important

  1. It was the worst attack on American soil by a foreign country

    The United States was in peace talks with Japan when Japan launched 350 warplanes in a surprise air attack on Pearl Harbor, home of the Pacific Fleet. 330 U.S. planes and 19 ships were damaged or destroyed, and thousands of people were killed or injured.

  2. The Pearl Harbor attackdrew the United States into WW II

    Japan’s designs on the Philippines, then a territory of the United States, precipitated theirattack on PearlHarbor in an attempt to destroy the Pacific Fleet and buy time for them to conquer what they referred to as the Southern Resource Zone. Up until then, the mainly isolationist position of the US prevented our entrance into WW II. That position disintegrated with the attack, as the American people united in a call to war —a call that eventually lead to the Allies winning that war.

  3. It is a day to honor our military

    This is a good time to think of the hardships and ordeals endured by our service men and women every day and everywhere in the world. The United States is in a position of being the policemen of the world, with hundreds of thousands of service men and women deployed in the protection of our country and people everywhere. Remember them in your actions and your prayers.

National Pearl Harbor Day of Remembrance dates

Year Date Day
2022 December 7 Wednesday
2023 December 7 Thursday
2024 December 7 Saturday
2025 December 7 Sunday
2026 December 7 Monday