Wednesday marks National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day and the 81st anniversary of the attack in Hawaii.
On Dec. 7, 1941, the Japanese military made a surprise raid on the United States Naval Base at Pearl Harbor, eliminating 2,403 U.S. service members and civilians. More than 1,100 people were hurt in the attack, which likewise damaged airplane and marine vessels, according to the National Parks Service.
The next day, Congress would state war with Japan, leading the U.S. into World War II. During an address to a joint session of Congress, then-President Franklin Roosevelt notoriously called Dec. 7, 1941 “a date which will live in infamy.”
Congress in 1994 designated Dec. 7 as National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day, and each year ceremonies are held in Hawaii and throughout the nation. American flags from coast to coast will be flown at half-staff in honor of the anniversary.
Here’s a appearance back at the attack and solemn ceremonies honoring those who lost their lives.
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