From the NFRW Armed Services Committee

By Mary Smart, Hawaii

Pearl Harbor’s Day of Remembrance is December 7. We recall the sacrifices of the 2,403 Americans, military and civilians, who were killed and the 1,178 who were injured as a result of the early morning attack by the Japanese that thrust our nation into World War II in 1941. 

On that December 7th Sunday morning, many ships were in port. Four US Battleships were sunk and 4 others were damaged. Three cruisers and three destroyers were also damaged. In addition, 188 aircraft were destroyed and 159 aircraft needed repairs. 

The USS Arizona Memorial is a marble structure built over the sunken hull of the USS Arizona and was dedicated in 1962 to commemorate the sacrifices made that day.

On this day, officially designated Pearl Harbor Day, the flag should be flown at half-staff until sunset to honor those Americans who lost their lives as a result of the surprise attack. Interesting facts about the Pearl Harbor attack are listed below and can be found at  https://www.holidayscalendar.com/event/pearl-harbor-remembrance-day/.

• The attack on Pearl Harbor ran from 7:55 am to 9:45 am, or about 110 minutes.
• The attack was launched by the Japanese in two waves, set about 45 minutes apart.
• The Japanese traveled over 3,400 miles to execute their attack.
• Japanese forces were led by Vice Admiral Chuichi Nagumo.
• Japanese fleet consisted of over 350 planes.
• “Operation Hawaii” & “Operation Z” were the Japanese codenames for the attack.
• The attack struck Pearl Harbor and airfields at Wheeler Field, Hickam Field, Schofield, Ewa Field and Bellows Field.