Pearl Harbor Day 2011

December 7, 2011 in the USA

National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day, which is observed annually on December 7, is a holiday to remember and honor all those who died in the attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941. It is not a federal holiday. Government offices, schools, and businesses do not close. Some organizations may hold special events in memory of those killed or injured at Pearl Harbor.

On August 23, 1994, United States Congress, by public law 103-308, designated December 7 of each year as National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day. National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day is also referred to as Pearl harbor Remembrance Day or Pearl Harbor Day. It is a tradition to fly the Flag of the United States at half-staff until sunset.

On Sunday morning, December 7, 1941 America's naval base in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii was attacked by the forces of the Empire of Japan. More than 2,400 Americans were killed and more than 1,100 were wounded. The attack sank four U.S. Navy battleships and damaged four more. It also damaged or sank three cruisers, three destroyers, one minelayer and damaged 188 aircraft. The day after the attack, the United States declared war on Japan and entered World War II. President Franklin Roosevelt, in a speech to congress, stated that the bombing of Pearl Harbor was "a date which will live in infamy".

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Statement by Governor Jan Brewer

70th Anniversary of Pearl Harbor


“Seventy years ago, the United States of America was shaken to its core by a surprise foreign attack that led President Roosevelt to declare December 7 a date that would ‘live in infamy.’ Indeed, the events of December 7, 1941, forever changed the course of our nation’s history. To the dismay of our attackers, those events did not break our nation’s spirit.

“December 7th will always carry special significance for Arizonans. It was the battleship named for our state – the USS Arizona – that was sunk at its berth by the Japanese attack. Its anchor, on display just steps from the State Capitol at Wesley Bolin Memorial Plaza, is an eternal reminder of American sacrifice, courage and valor. I encourage Arizonans to visit the memorial and pay tribute to the 1,177 USS Arizona crewmen who lost their lives at Pearl Harbor.

“America’s response to the attack on Pearl Harbor and eventual victory in World War II proved once again our nation’s character and the resolve of the Greatest Generation. Let us take this opportunity to honor the lives lost at Pearl Harbor, and to pray for the countless servicemen and women who fought – and continue to fight – to preserve our liberties at home and abroad.

“In honor of the patriots who made the ultimate sacrifice through their service at Pearl Harbor, I have ordered that the American flag be flown at half-staff over the State Capitol and all state buildings from sunrise until sunset on December 7, 2011.”

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