Hawaii Reflects on 70th Anniversary of Pearl Harbor Attack

By Wendy Osher

USS Arizona Memorial aerial view. Photo by Wendy Osher.

Today marks the 70th anniversary of the bombing of Pearl Harbor. The Japanese attack on December 7, 1941 brought the US into World War II.

An estimated 2,400 Americans were killed and more than 1,200 injured in the attack was launched on the US Pacific Fleet.

Thousands of people are reportedly expected at a ceremony near the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center this morning.

The Honolulu Star-Advertiser reports that survivors will join military leaders and civilians in observing a moment of silence at 7:55 a.m., the moment the attack began seven decades ago.

Flags will also fly at half-staff today in observance of the anniversary.

Governor Neil Abercrombie today ordered that all Hawai’i flags at all state offices and agencies as well as the Hawai’i National Guard are to be flown at half-staff alongside US flags from sunrise to sunset.

President Barack Obama proclaimed December 7, 2011, as National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day. In his proclamation the President encourages Americans to observe the solemn day to honor military members, past and present.

“On this 70th anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor, let us remember the Americans who lost their lives, while honoring the survivors of that fateful day who are still with us.  Their courage and heroism were an inspiration to our nation then and remain so today,” said US Rep. Mazie Hirono.

“This greatest generation was dedicated to protecting our freedoms and our way of life. When they came home they showed how one person can make a difference. The best way to pay tribute to their sacrifice is to reaffirm our own commitment to making lives better for those in our community and keeping our country strong,” she said.