Date: November 19, 2008
Contact: MCC David Rush, Navy Region Hawaii, (808) 473-2888
Contact: Eileen Martinez, National Park Service, (808) 422-2771 x124
Contact: Lisa Ontai, Ontai and Associates, Inc., (808) 375-9352
Public is invited to this December 7 ceremony and the multitude of commemorative events listed below.
The National Park Service and the U. S. Navy will host a joint memorial ceremony commemorating the 67th anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7 on board Naval Station Pearl Harbor’s Kilo Pier from 7:40- 9:30 a.m. The theme of the program is “Pacific War Memories: The Heroic Response to Pearl Harbor.” The Kilo Pier venue looks directly out to the USS Arizona Memorial situated in Pearl Harbor approximately half a mile away.
More than 2,000 distinguished guests and the general public will join military personnel, both active and Pearl Harbor survivors, for the annual observance of the 1941 attack on Pearl Harbor.
The theme of this year’s historic commemoration, “Pacific War Memories: The Heroic Response to Pearl Harbor,” will reflect on remembering the brave efforts of those who fought at sea, on land, and in the air, to turn the tide in the pacific. For military who serve today, this ceremony provides a study of lessons learned and an opportunity to express gratitude towards the Pearl Harbor veterans.
Mr. Thomas C. Griffin, Doolittle Raider, and Admiral Robert F. Willard, Commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet, will serve as the keynote speakers for the commemoration.
Highlights of the ceremony will include music by the U.S. Pacific Fleet Band, morning colors, a Hawaiian blessing, a rifle salute by members of the U.S. Marine Corps, wreath observations, echo taps and recognition of the men and women who survived on December 7, 1941, and those who made the ultimate sacrifice for their country.
At 7:55 a.m., the exact moment the Japanese attack began 67 years ago, a moment of silence will be observed. The Pearl Harbor-based Arleigh Burke-class Aegis destroyer, USS Chung-Hoon (DDG-93), will render honors to the USS Arizona. Military aircraft will fly over the memorial in a “missing man” formation.
Public Access to the Pearl Harbor 67th Anniversary Commemoration
The commemoration is free of charge, and a limited number of seats are open to the general public. Due to strict security measures on Naval Station Pearl Harbor, only invited guests will be allowed access on base in their vehicles. General public wishing to attend the commemoration will be required to board U.S. Navy boats departing from the USS Arizona Memorial Visitor Center, which will transport guests to the commemoration site at Kilo Pier. Seats for the general public on the U.S. Navy boats to the commemoration are limited, and available on a first-come, first-served basis. The first U.S. Navy boat for the general public will depart from the visitor center at 6:20 a.m., and the last boat will depart at 7:00 a.m.
Information
For more information about the Pearl Harbor Day 67th Anniversary Commemoration Ceremony, call the National Park Service at (808) 422-2771 or visit their Web site at https://www.nps.gov/usar; or contact the Navy Region Hawaii Public Affairs Office at 808-473-2880.
Security
Due to strict security measures, personal cameras may be used at the ceremony, but no camera bags, purses, handbags and/or other items that offer concealment are allowed.
Dress Code
Military dress is summer whites or service dress equivalent with ribbons, no medals.
The civilian dress code for the commemoration is Aloha attire, longs pants and collared shirts.
Children
Due to the formality and length of the commemoration, it is recommended that children be at least eight years old to attend.
Parking
Parking for the general public is available at the USS Arizona Memorial Visitor Center. Attendees should allow at minimum an additional 15 minutes for parking and to pass through security.
Additional Public Commemorative Events
In addition to the Pearl Harbor 67th Anniversary Commemoration, the public is invited to attend the following commemorative events:
“After Dark in the Park" with Doolittle Raider Thomas Griffin
- USS Arizona Memorial Visitor Center Theater and Bookstore
- Friday, December 5, 2008
- 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
- Free Admission
Join Doolittle Raider Thomas C. Griffin and Lt. Col. Jimmy Doolittle’s granddaughter and author Jonna Dolittle Hoppes for a special discussion and autograph session. World Renowned artist Tom W. Freeman will also be unveiling his newest work – a depiction of the historic Doolittle Raid. In April 1942, Lt. Col. Jimmy Doolittle led a flight of bombers off the aircraft carrier USS Hornet in a sneak attack against mainland Japan. It was America's first strike against Japan after the attack on Pearl Harbor and was credited with changing the course of World War II and served as a huge moral boost for America.
6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Autograph session with Thomas C. Griffin and Jonna Doolittle Hoppes
7:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Theater Discussion with Thomas C. Griffin and Jonna Doolittle Hoppes
8:00 p.m. – 8:15 p.m.
Unveiling of Tom W. Freeman’s new artwork of the Doolittle Raid
8:15 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Autograph session with Thomas C. Griffin and Jonna Doolittle Hoppes
Pearl Harbor Survivor and Author Book Signings
- USS Arizona Memorial Visitor Center Bookstore
- Free Admission
- December 4, 5 & 8
- 8:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.
Doolittle Raider Thomas C. Griffin and Lt. Col. Jimmy Doolittle’s granddaughter and author Jonna Doolittle Hoppes: “Destination Tokyo & Doolittle Raid” and “Calculated Risk: The Extraordinary Life Of Jimmy Doolittle - Aviation Pioneer And World War II Hero”
- USS Arizona Memorial Visitor Center Bookstore
- Free Admission
- Saturday, December 6
- 8:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
USS Oklahoma Survivors: Paul Goodyear, Ed Vezey, George Brown and George Smith and Author Jeff Phister: “Battleship Oklahoma, BB-37”
- USS Arizona Memorial Visitor Center Bookstore
- Free Admission
- Thursday, December 11
- 8:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
USS Pennsylvania Survivor Everett Hyland and author Gerald Meehl: “Pacific Legacy” and “Pacific War Stories”
Marine Corps Air Station (Ewa MCAS) Commemorative Ceremony
- Barbers Point Golf Course Club House
- Saturday, December 6, 2008
- 3:30 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
- Free Admission
The public is invited to attend a special commemorative ceremony hosted by the Barbers Point Navy League and the National Park Service. The Marine Corps Air Station Ewa (MCAS Ewa) was a United States Marine Corps air station that was located 17 miles west of Pearl Hrbor on the island of Oahu, Hawaii. The base was hit during the attack on Pearl Harbor and later served as the hub for all Marine aviation units heading into combat in the Pacific Theater during World War II.
Directions to USS Arizona Memorial Visitor Center
Car
From the Honolulu/Waikiki area, take Ala Moana Blvd. /Nimitz Highway; or H-1 Freeway West. From the H-1 Freeway, take the USS Arizona/Stadium exit, #15A, which will put you on State Highway 99 (Kamehameha Highway). The USS Arizona Memorial is located off of State Highway 99 (Kamehameha Highway), about a 45-minute drive west of Waikiki.
Public Transportation
Honolulu public transit buses #20 and #42 regularly stop at the USS Arizona Memorial Visitor Center and can be boarded in Waikiki.
