Eighty-five years ago, just before 8:00 a.m. on a Sunday morning, Japanese forces attacked the U.S. Pacific Fleet at Pearl Harbor on the island of Oahu. More than 2,400 Americans died that day, and our nation entered World War II in the days that followed. On Monday, December 7th, 2026, we observe National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day for the 85th time since the attack, with ceremonies at Pearl Harbor and flags at half-staff in communities across our nation.

What Happened at Pearl Harbor on December 7th, 1941

Japanese forces killed 2,403 service members and civilians and injured 1,178 more. 188 aircraft were also destroyed, and two ships permanently sank, the USS Arizona and the USS Utah, while much of the fleet anchored in the harbor was damaged.

The USS Arizona suffered the heaviest losses. Of the ship's crew, 1,177 sailors and Marines died and more than 900 of them remain entombed in the hull today, according to the National Park Service. The USS Oklahoma lost 429 crew members, 415 sailors and 14 Marines, after nine torpedoes struck the ship and it capsized, and the USS Utah lost 58 of its crew when it capsized and sank within 12 minutes, according to the Pearl Harbor commemoration organizers.

Today, visitors reach the USS Arizona Memorial by boat. The memorial spans the sunken battleship, and in its shrine room, the names of the crew members killed aboard the Arizona appear engraved on a marble wall. Over time, we have come to see the memorial as a tribute to all of the military personnel killed in the attack.

Why We Observe National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day

On August 23rd, 1994, Congress designated December 7th as National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day. Congress asks the President to issue a proclamation each year calling on all of us to observe the day with appropriate ceremonies and activities, and calling on federal agencies, organizations, and individuals to fly the American flag at half-staff each December 7th in honor of those who died as a result of their service at Pearl Harbor.

How We'll Mark the 85th Anniversary

The National Park Service and the U.S. Navy host the commemoration at Pearl Harbor National Memorial each year. According to the 2026 schedule, the week of events includes:

  • USS Utah Ceremony: Sunday, December 6th, at 4:30 p.m. at the USS Utah Memorial on Ford Island. The ceremony is open to the public, but visitors need military or government ID to access Ford Island.
  • National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Ceremony: Monday, December 7th, at 7:30 a.m. at Pearl Harbor National Memorial. This ceremony is open to the public.
  • USS Oklahoma Ceremony: Monday, December 7th, at 1:00 p.m. at the USS Oklahoma Memorial on Ford Island, open to the public with the same Ford Island access requirement.
  • Blackened Canteen Ceremony: Tuesday, December 8th, at 5:00 p.m. at the USS Arizona Memorial. This ceremony is by invitation only.

In past years, the main ceremony has included a moment of silence at 7:55 a.m., the moment the attack began, according to the National Park Service.

How to Honor Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day From Home

Most of us won't be at Pearl Harbor on December 7th, but we can still take part. If you fly an American flag at home, you can lower it to half-staff for the day, as federal law asks. You can also pause for a moment of silence at 7:55 a.m. Hawaii time, which is 12:55 p.m. Eastern time, to mark the moment the attack began. If someone in your family served in World War II, the anniversary is a good time to share their story with the younger generations of your family.

Put the Benefit You Earned to Work

If you served and you're ready to buy a home, find out how you can use your VA home loan benefit.

FAQs

What day is Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day in 2026?

National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day falls on Monday, December 7th, 2026, which marks the 85th anniversary of the attack.

How many people died at Pearl Harbor?

2,403 service members and civilians were killed and 1,178 more were injured according to the National Park Service.

Do you fly the flag at half-staff on Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day?

Yes. Under federal law, Congress asks the President to call on federal agencies, organizations, and individuals to fly the American flag at half-staff each December 7th.

Is the Pearl Harbor ceremony open to the public?

Yes. The National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Ceremony at 7:30 a.m. on December 7th, 2026, at Pearl Harbor National Memorial is open to the public.