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The National WWII Museum asks…

“Why should we remember Pearl Harbor?”

We are pleased to announce the award recipients of this year's contest! A sincere thanks to all students who participated. Our high school winners were chosen from over 500 entries across 45 states. Congratulations to all the winners.

 Check out the winning essays!

 2011 High School Essay Contest

TEACHERS: Click here to print out a 2011 High School Essay Contest informational flyer

On the morning of December 7, 1941, Japan launched a surprise naval and air attack on US military installations and personnel at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii.  This attack was quickly followed by a formal Japanese declaration of war against the US.  More than 2,400 Americans were killed that morning, 18 ships were sunk, hundreds of airplanes were damaged or destroyed, and America’s isolation from a world at war was abruptly ended.

Before the attack, most Americans had never heard of Pearl Harbor.  Now, “Remember Pearl Harbor” became a rallying cry for a nation that had to quickly unify, mobilize, and go on the attack.  The slogan could be found on pins and posters, in songs and in speeches. 

It’s 2011.  We have been at peace with Japan for sixty-six years.  In your own words, tell us if you think it is important for students to “Remember Pearl Harbor.”  And, if so, why and how should they remember it?  Use WWII as a starting point and base your answer in part on examples you find in this history.  But don’t stop in the past. 

This is NOT a research paper.  Your essay will be judged foremost for its originality, clarity of expression, and adherence to contest theme, as well as its historical accuracy, grammar, spelling, and punctuation.  WWII Museum staff will read and evaluate entries.

First place winner will receive $1,000; second place winner will receive $750; and third place winner will receive $500. Each winning essay will be posted on The National WWII Museum’s website. Excerpts of the first place entry will also be printed in our quarterly newsletter V-Mail (which is mailed to more than 130,000 people across the United States). The top 50 essayists will receive honorable mention on our website.

• Contest is open to all high school students in the United States, United States Territories, and military bases.


• Your essay must be 1,000 words or less.  Only one essay per student may be submitted.


• All essays should:


• be double spaced


• have 1 inch margins


• include page numbers


• include an essay title


• be typed in 12 point font


• be in Microsoft Word or a compatible format.


• Submissions must be submitted via the website by March 11, 2011, 5:00pm CST.


• Museum will accept the first 500 properly formatted entries only.  The website will indicate when 500 essays have been submitted.

The 2011 High School Essay Contest is now closed.