Purpose of the Memorial

President Dwight D. Eisenhower in his office, 1958, the year he approved the establishment of the USS Arizona Memorial to honor the military personnel killed during the attack on Pearl Harbor.

Preserving History and Honoring Sacrifice

The Pearl Harbor National Memorial and its partners are dedicated to preserving, interpreting, and commemorating the history of World War II in the Pacific. This mission spans from the events leading up to the December 7, 1941, attack on Oahu, to the ongoing efforts of peace and reconciliation.

In 1958, President Dwight D. Eisenhower approved the creation of the USS Arizona Memorial to honor the military personnel who were killed during the Pearl Harbor attack.

On December 5, 2008, an executive order officially established the World War II Valor in the Pacific National Monument. This designation included the USS Arizona Memorial and other key Pearl Harbor sites, further expanding the effort to preserve and honor the historical significance of the Pacific War.

In April 2019, the National Park Service announced the redesignation of the World War II Valor in the Pacific National Monument to the Pearl Harbor National Memorial. This change was enacted through the John D. Dingell Jr. Conservation, Management, and Recreation Act, passed by both houses of Congress and signed into law by President Donald Trump on March 12, 2019.

Through these efforts, the Pearl Harbor National Memorial continues to serve as a place of reflection and education, ensuring the stories of sacrifice and resilience are preserved for future generations.