Remembering The Attack On Pearl Harbor December 7, 1941

**The USS Arizona Memorial sitting above the sunken ship**

On December 7, 1941, the Japanese Navy launched a surprise attack on the U.S. naval base at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. The attack began at 7:48 am and lasted for about two hours, resulting in the deaths of 2,403 Americans and the destruction of numerous ships and aircraft. The attack was a major turning point in World War II, as it led to the United States’ entry into the war.

**The USS Missouri looking past the sunken USS Arizona** **remains**

The attack was planned and executed by the Imperial Japanese Navy, which had been growing increasingly aggressive in its territorial ambitions in the Pacific. The Japanese hoped that by launching a surprise attack on the U.S. Pacific Fleet at Pearl Harbor, they could cripple American military capabilities in the region and secure their own dominance.

The attack was a devastating blow to the United States, but it also galvanized the American people and strengthened their resolve to fight back against Japan and its allies. President Franklin D. Roosevelt famously referred to the day of the attack as “a date which will live in infamy,” and just one day later, on December 8, 1941, the United States declared war on the nation of Japan.

Today you can tour Pearl Harbor with several significant sites to take in. Parking for the Visitor Center is free and there is no fee to visit the USS Arizona Memorial. However, due to its popularity, tickets are required and can be reserved in advance online for a small fee. Same-day tickets are also available on a first-come, first-served basis at the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center, but it’s recommended to arrive early as they tend to go quickly.

**A gun turret from the sunken USS Arizona sticks out of the water next to the memorial**

Pearl Harbor Visitor Center: Begin your visit here to learn about the events of December 7, 1941, through exhibits, films, and displays.

USS Arizona Memorial: Take a boat out and pay tribute to the fallen sailors and explore the memorial built over the sunken battleship USS Arizona.

USS Bowfin Submarine Museum & Park: Tour the WWII submarine USS Bowfin and learn about its history and the experiences of submariners.

Battleship Missouri Memorial: Step aboard the USS Missouri, where the Japanese surrender was signed, and explore this historic battleship.

Pacific Aviation Museum Pearl Harbor: Discover a vast collection of aircraft and exhibits that showcase the history of aviation in the Pacific.