Members of the U.S. Marine Corps honor guard detail stand at attention during The National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day 77th Anniversary Commemoration ceremony. / Pearl Harbor / Flickr
On December 7th, 1941, the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor with more than 350 aircraft’s in an air raid that lasted an hour and 15 minutes and left us with 2,403 deaths – comprising 2,335 U.S. service members and 68 civilians.
The attack which ushered in the start of WWII ultimately brought together the American people and left us grieving over one of the greatest American tragedies. In August of 1994, the U.S. Congress designated December 7th as National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day; events and memorials are held all over the country to honor those who’ve fallen.
One of which – a free Pearl Harbor Day Memorial Service – will be held aboard the USS Yorktown at the Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum on the 7th at 11 am.
The service is meant to honor the 25 known South Carolinians that died in the attack. Organized by the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 10624, the service will include a traditional gun salute, wreath-laying, and the tolling of a bell. Museum entry fees will also be waived from 10-11 am, and the service will be live-streamed on the Patriots Point Facebook and YouTube.
Additionally, the main event will be a memorial held at the Pearl Harbor National Memorial in Honolulu, HI, marking the 80th commemoration ceremony they’ve held. For more information about their ceremony, check out their Facebook page.
My dad was stationed at the air base during Pearl Harbor attack and received 2 stripes for heroism and bravery after shooting at the Japanese planes coming through the mountain range and headed for the harbor. This attack was so horrific, and our children are not being taught about this event or anything heroic about this country. I’m so proud to be the daughter of a true American.