Following Hawaiian tradition, Sailors honor men killed during the 7 December 1941 Japanese attack on Naval Air Station Kaneohe, Oahu. The casualties had been buried on 8 December. This ceremony took place sometime during the following months, possibly on Memorial Day, 31 May 1942. Official U.S. Navy Photograph, National Archives Collection.
The attack on Pearl Harbor was one of the most significant events in American history. The surprise aerial attack by the Japanese on a U.S. Naval base at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii shook the foundation of the nation and killed over 2,400 Americans, wounded nearly 1,300 people, and caused massive damage to the Navy’s fleet. The next day the president declared war on Japan, entering the United States into WWII. These stories, videos and photos stand as a memorial in remembrance of those who lost their lives on that fateful day. Find out more about what happened in Pearl Harbor here including survivor interviews, archival photos and new content from the U.S. Navy by clicking here.
