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Contact: Eileen Martinez, National Park Service, 808-422-2771 x 124 Contact: Chief Bart Bauer, Navy Region Hawaii, (808) 473-3788 Contact: Lisa Ontai, Ontai-LaGrange and Associates, Inc., Cell: (808) 375-9352
The National Park Service and the U. S. Navy will host a joint memorial ceremony commemorating the 68th anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7th on board Naval Station Pearl Harbor’s Kilo Pier from 7:40- 9:30 a.m. The theme of the program is “But Not in Shame: The Aftermath of 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, “But Not in Shame: The Aftermath of Pearl Harbor,” will reflect on remembering the brave efforts of those who continued the battle that expanded throughout the Pacific after the devastation at Pearl Harbor. The Pacific War itself was fought on a gigantic stage that covered nearly half of the earth and would last for 44 months. Battles were fought on sea and land and the loss of ships, aircraft and men was unparalleled in the history of the Pacific. For military who serve today and the public, this ceremony provides a study of lessons learned and an opportunity to express gratitude towards the Pearl Harbor and Pacific War veterans for their sacrifices and perseverance towards victory. Allan Millett, PhD, Director of Eisenhower Center at the University of New Orleans, will serve as the keynote speaker for the commemoration. A retired colonel of the Marine Corps Reserve, Dr. Millett is a specialist in the history of American military policy and 20th century wars and military institutions. He is one of the founders of the internationally renowned military history program at The Ohio State University. Dr. Millett currently directs the Eisenhower Center for American Studies at the University of New Orleans, and serves as the Senior Military Advisor for the National World War II Museum.
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 presentations, echo taps and recognition of the men and women who survived that 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 68 years ago, a moment of silence will be observed. The USS LAKE ERIE (CG 70) 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 68th Anniversary Commemoration
The commemoration is free of charge and the public is invited to attend. Active duty personnel, civilians with valid military ID and invited guests with invitations are allowed access on base in their vehicles. Due to strict security measures on Naval Station Pearl Harbor, 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 a.m. The visitor center will open at 5:30 a.m..
Information For more information about the Pearl Harbor Day 68th Anniversary Commemoration Ceremony, call the National Park Service at (808) 422-2771, ext. 119 or visit their Web site at https://www.nps.gov/valr; or contact the Navy Region Hawaii Public Affairs Office at (808) 473-2920.
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 equivalent. The civilian dress code for the commemoration is Aloha attire, long pants and collared shirts.
Children Attendance by children is welcomed. However, parents should take into consideration the formality and length of the commemoration to determine if their child should 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 68th Anniversary Commemoration, the public is invited to attend the following commemorative events:
Marine Corps Air Station Ewa Ceremony Marine Corps Air Station Ewa marker at the Barbers Point Golf Course Club House Monday, December 7, 2009 8 a.m. Free Admission The public is invited to attend a special 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 Harbor 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.
USS Oklahoma Memorial Pearl Harbor Day Remembrance USS Oklahoma Memorial on Ford Island Monday, December 7, 1:30 p.m. Free Admission The public is invited to attend a special ceremony hosted by the National Park Service in honor of those who served on the USS Oklahoma during the attack on Pearl Harbor. The USS Oklahoma (BB-37) Memorial was officially dedicated on December 7, 2007. The memorial is located on Ford Island, near Fox-5 Pier next to the Battleship MissouriMemorial. The Battleship Oklahoma was berthed along Ford Island on Dec. 7, 1941, and suffered the second greatest loss of life during the attack. The memorial includes 429 marble columns symbolizing each of the crewmembers who lost their lives on that fateful day. Public wishing to attend the ceremony can catch shuttle transportation departing from the USS Bowfin Submarine Museum & Park which is adjacent to the USS Arizona Memorial. Those with military identification may drive directly to the Oklahoma Memorial.
“Pearl Harbor Survivor and Author Book Signings” USS Arizona Memorial Visitor Center Bookstore Free Admission Thursday, December 10, 7:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. – Dick Klobuchar, author of "Pearl Harbor, Awakening a Sleeping Giant" and "USS Ward" accompanied by USS Ward Pearl Harbor survivor Will Lehner and USS Utah survivor's daughter, Mary Kreigh. Sunday, December 13, 7:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. - Gerald Meehl, author of " Pacific Legacy" and "Pacific War Stories" accompanied by USS Pennsylvania Pearl Harbor survivor Everett Hyland. |
Last updated: March 1, 2015