Veterans gathered in Hawaii and across the United States Tuesday to honor those who died in the attack on Pearl Harbor 80 years ago.
A ceremony was held by the National Park Service at Pearl Harbor to remember the Dec. 7, 1941 events. It took place on the same day as the inauguration of the current President. Franklin D. Roosevelt was famously called “The President of the United States.” “A date which will remain in infamy”
The Dec. 7, 1941 attack killed 2,403 service members and civilians, shaking the nation and ultimately leading the US will enter World War II. Over a thousand were also wounded.
Tuesday saw thousands gather to pay respect to fallen soldiers, to offer support to survivors, and to provide closure to hundreds of families who waited for years to find their loved ones.
There were memorials held across the country, including in Washington DC and New York City. They featured the laying and playing of taps as well as moments of silence.
On Tuesday, veterans gathered across America and Hawaii in honor of those who were killed in Pearl Harbor’s attack 80 years earlier
To commemorate Dec. 7, 1941, the National Park Service hosted a ceremony at Pearl Harbor Memorial Site. This was a date that Franklin D. Roosevelt famously called ‘a date which is going to live in infamy.
Thousands gathered at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam Tuesday (pictured) to honor the fallen, support the survivors and bring closure to the hundreds of families who have waited years for their loved ones to be identified
Hawaii’s Remembrance Ceremony began at 7.40am. It was followed by silence at 7.55am. This is the time that the attack started 80 years ago.
Military personnel were seen greeting and saluting veterans as well as offering support for the nation’s brave men.
The 80th anniversary of the attack also marked the competition of a longtime project aiming to identify 396 of the 429 USS Oklahoma crew members who died in the attack.
Those in charge of the identification efforts called Tuesday’s ceremony ‘truly a momentous occasion.’
‘To say it is a milestone is not an understatement,’ Kelly McKeague, director of the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency told the Epoch Times.
“It was the right thing, it gave answers to families regarding their loved ones who had made the ultimate sacrifice.
Hawaii’s local time is 7.40am Hawaii. The ceremony was followed by silence at 7.55am, which marks the 80th anniversary of the attack.
The 80th Pearl Harbor anniversary ceremony was held at Joint Base Pearl Harbor–Hickam on Tuesday, December 7, 2021 in Honolulu.
The military personnel saluted, greeted veterans and offered their support to the country’s heroes.
Ronald G. Scharfe is a World War II vet who observes the USS Arizona Memorial as part of the 80th Anniversary Pearl Harbor Remembrance.
In the nation’s capitol, President Joe Biden and first lady Jill Biden made an early morning visit to the World War II Memorial to mark the 80th anniversary of the attack and to honor Bob Dole.
The president made a special visit to veterans, military personnel and loved ones.
Biden appeared emotional as he looked out over the granite memorial honoring the 418,500 Americans who died in the second world war.
First couple brought along a wreath that had one wild sunflower. This is Kansas’ state flower, according to White House. It was to be presented to Dole, who was a World War II veteran and died on Sunday.
Jill Biden, first lady of President Joe Biden, made an early morning trip to the World War II Memorial in honor Bob Dole and the 80th anniversary.
The president made his final respects to veterans, military personnel and loved ones.
Biden looked over at the granite monument honoring the 418.500 Americans who perished in the Second World War, and it was obvious that he felt emotional.
Harry Miller is a WWII veteran. Harry Miller, a WWII veteran, is seen at an event to commemorate the 80th anniversary the attack on Pearl Harbor.
The solomon visit was held on a cloudy and cold day in Washington. The president saluted and made the sign the cross, while first lady touched the wreath with her hand.
After paying their respects at the wreath, the Bidens then walked hand-in-hand to the New Jersey pillar of the memorial where Jill Biden laid a bouquet in honor of her father, Donald Jacobs, who served as a US Navy Signalman in WWII.
It consists 56 pillars that represent US territories and states, as well as a pair small triumphal arches to commemorate the Pacific and Atlantic theaters.
“The First Lady and President are going to the World War II Memorial on National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day. We want to pay tribute and remember the American patriots who were killed in action at Pearl Harbor on Dec 7, 1941,” the White House stated.
The Bidens spent about 10 minutes at the site, entering from its Pacific Tower, where they stood side by side viewing the memorial.
The Freedom Wall in DC commemorates the 80th anniversary the attack on Pearl Harbor. A wreath was left by US President Joe Biden.
WWII reenactors take part in the US National Anthem, during an event that commemorates the 80th anniversary the attack on Pearl Harbor. It took place at the National World War II Memorial in Washington DC. Dec. 7, 2021.
A U.S. National Parks Ranger examines the flags flying at half-staff in the Washington Monument grounds during a Pearl Harbor 1980th Anniversary Commemoration at Washington DC’s World War II Memorial. December 7, 2021, Washington DC
A wreath-laying event is held by veterans at the World War II Memorial, Pearl Harbor 80th Anniversary Commemoration on December 7, 2021 in Washington DC
Americans also gathered in New York City at the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum to pay tribute to the heroes who lost their lives in the Pearl Harbor attack.
Local Pearl Harbor survivors’ families threw an inscribed wreath in the Hudson River, which read “Remember Pearl Harbor.”
Participants reported that the ceremony helped them to feel more connected with their loved ones.
“I am feeling the spirit of my dad with us today. Michael Galella said that he would be there every year. His father, Armando ‘Chick’ Galella of Tarrytown, New York, passed away in September.
“When they returned home, it was their duty to tell the stories of those who did not return home.”
Family members of local Pearl Harbor veterans gathered in New York City at the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum to pay tribute to the heroes who lost their lives in the attack
Families of Pearl Harbor survivors placed a wreath in the Hudson River with the following message: “Remember Pearl Harbor.”
It can be seen floating on the Hudson River.
A bagpipe player performs as family members of local Pearl Harbor survivors and others gather to throw a wreath in the water off of the Intrepid Aircraft Carrier at the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum in New York City
The Intrepid, a commissioned warship in 1943, participated in numerous campaigns in the Pacific Theater of Operations.
The White House proclamated Tuesday, November 7, as National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day.
Biden thanked the Greatest Generation for their leadership and helped to build an international system which has made former enemies into allies.
He reminded Americans that they should ‘honor those patriots, honor the sacrifices of all those who served our nation and recommit themselves to continuing the peace and reconciliation that has brought about a brighter future for the world’.
He also stated that the US is ‘forever indebted’ to those who gave their full devotion 8 decades ago.
Last week, President Obama proclamated Tuesday to be National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day.
Herb Elfring, Pearl Harbor survivor, speaks at a press conference in Pearl Harbor (Hawaii) on Sunday, December 5, 2021
David Russell, 101 (survivor of Pearl Harbor and World War II Navy veteran), captured during the war.
World War II Veterans, their families, and friends stand while ‘taps are performed’ during the USS Nevada Commemoration Ceremony as part of the 80th anniversary Pearl Harbor Remembrance in Honolulu on December 5, 2021
Participating in a Pearl Harbor 80th anniversary Commemoration, December 7, 2021 at the World War II Memorial, Washington, DC, participants join in a prayer
Photo of the USS Oklahoma taken in April 1938. The attack on Pearl Harbor, Dec. 7, 1941 saw the ship sink.