National Day

National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day

Celebrated on 12/07/2026

Quick Fact

On December 7, 1941, Japanese forces launched a surprise attack on Pearl Harbor, killing 2,403 Americans. This day was designated as National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day by Congress in 1994, and the USS Arizona Memorial still leaks oil from the sunken battleship, often called 'tears of the Arizona.'

Origins and Establishment of National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day

National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day, also referred to as Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day or Pearl Harbor Day, is observed annually on December 7 in the United States. The day was established by the United States Congress on August 23, 1994, when President Bill Clinton signed the National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day Act into law (Public Law 103-308). The act designated December 7 as a day of remembrance to honor the 2,403 American service members and civilians who were killed during the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor in Hawaii on December 7, 1941. The attack led to the United States' entry into World War II. The day is not a federal holiday, but it is a day of observance, and federal agencies and military installations are encouraged to fly the flag at half-staff.

Evolution and Modern Commemoration

Since its establishment, National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day has evolved to include various commemorative events, particularly at the Pearl Harbor National Memorial in Hawaii. The day typically features a remembrance ceremony at the USS Arizona Memorial, which is built over the sunken battleship, where survivors, veterans, and dignitaries gather to honor the fallen. The ceremony includes a moment of silence at 7:55 a.m. (the exact time the attack began), laying of wreaths, and a missing man formation flyover. Over the years, as the number of living survivors has dwindled, the commemoration has increasingly focused on educating younger generations about the attack and its significance. In addition to the main ceremony, many communities across the country hold their own events, and the day is often marked by educational programs in schools and museums.

Facts & General Observations

  • The attack on Pearl Harbor lasted 110 minutes, from 7:55 a.m. to 9:45 a.m. Hawaiian time.
  • Of the 2,403 American deaths, 1,177 were from the USS Arizona, which sank in less than nine minutes after being hit by a 1,760-pound bomb.
  • The USS Arizona still leaks approximately 1-2 quarts of oil per day, a phenomenon often referred to as the "tears of the Arizona" or "black tears."

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