Anniversaries & Commemorations

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

Explore Further

  • Event Recap

    Yom HaShoah Commemorative Program

    Join us for an evening of remembrance and reflection with Holocaust survivor Toni Rinde, as she reflects on her experience during the Holocaust from a hidden child’s perspective.

  • Event Recap

    Pearl Harbor 80th Anniversary Commemorative Ceremony

    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, The National WWII Museum commemorates those who lost their lives on that fateful December day.

  • Event Recap

    Dr. Hal Baumgarten D-Day Commemoration Ceremony

    The National WWII Museum marked the 77th anniversary of D-Day and 21st birthday of the Museum on Sunday, June 6, 2021, highlighted by the on-campus Dr. Hal Baumgarten D-Day Commemoration Ceremony in US Freedom Pavilion: The Boeing Center.

  • V-E Day in front of Rainbow Corner, The National WWII Museum, 2008.537.063
    Event Recap

    Victory in Europe: One Year Later

    Join The National WWII Museum as we commemorate the surrender of Nazi Germany and V-E Day by taking a look back at the events of the year after surrender and how they shaped the modern world with Dr. Rob Citino, Samuel Zemurray Stone Senior Historian and the Executive Director, The Institute for the Study of War and Democracy.

  • Event Recap

    Pearl Harbor Day 2020 Commemoration

    Join us as we remember 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.