Pearl Harbor

The surprise Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, forever known as a "day of infamy," plunged the United States into World War II. Each year, The National WWII Museum commemorates the lives lost on December 7, 1941.

Early on December 7, 1941, citizens and servicemembers alike in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, faced terror as Japanese planes rained fire on the island in a stunning surprise attack. The assault quickly plunged the United States into a world-changing war. Each year, we commemorate those who lost their lives on that fateful December day.

76th Anniversary of Pearl Harbor: December 7, 2017

Past events:

75th Anniversary of Pearl Harbor: December 7, 2016

The 75th anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor was commemorated at the Museum, in Hawaii, and around the country. We hosted a special commemoration ceremony, a four-part symposium and tour, as well as an exciting student-lead Electronic Field Trip. View all of the highlights at www.pearl75.org

Events & Shows

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Anniversaries & Commemorations

Pearl Harbor Day Commemoration

12/07/2019 | 11:30 AM - 2:00 PM

Join us as we remember Pearl Harbor on its 78th anniversary.

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Life on Guadalcanal

Despite the lack of proper diet and medical supplies, the proliferation of tropical disease, constant enemy bombardments, and the threat of being overrun by a fanatical enemy, American forces held on to “The Island of Death.”
Event Recap

Distance Learning: The Battle of Guadalcanal

Museum Distance Learning Manager Chrissy Gregg and Richard Frank, author of Guadalcanal: The Definitive Account of the Landmark Battle, kick off an online learning series dedicated to the 75th anniversary of a pivotal battle in the Pacific war.
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War on a Shoestring: The Fight for Guadalcanal

The August 1942 landing on Guadalcanal was a colossal improvisation, concocted on the fly to take advantage of a recent dramatic turn in the Pacific war.
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Operation Husky: The Allied Invasion of Sicily

On July 10, 1943, the Allies launched Operation Husky before sunrise, a massive amphibious assault on the southern shores of the island.
Anniversaries & Commemorations

Veterans Day at the Museum

On Veterans Day, the Museum will offer free admission to veterans of all conflicts, along with an engaging slate of commemorative programming.