Skip to content
Search AI Powered

Latest Stories

Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day: Why Do We Observe It?

Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day: Why Do We Observe It?

On Dec. 7, 1941, a strike force of the Imperial Japanese Navy flew into the airspace of Oahu, Hawaii to commence a two-hour-long attack on the Pearl Harbor naval installation. Battleships were bombed, air bases across were left devastated, and 2,403 citizens of the United States died. The attack shook the nation, instilled fear in Americans' hearts, prompted the incarceration of thousands of Japanese-American citizens and their families, and resulted in Congressional approval of war with Japan.


Annually on Dec. 7, the United States stops to reflect on the over 75-year-old attack with Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day. Beyond instigating war in the Pacific, the attack became a landmark in U.S. history. Those that were involved in it and the day itself earned the yearly observation, but why do we memorialize the day?

To understand why Congress recognized Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day on Aug. 23, 1994, it’s important to know the impact it had on the United States.

A Change in Policy

Prior to World War II, the United States' government largely followed a foreign policy of non-interventionism, or an avoidance of alliances with other nations. Despite involvement in World War I and other conflicts throughout the nation’s history, it often followed a policy that kept it out of foreign affairs. Even after declaring war on Germany in 1917, the United States initially did not officially ally itself with any nation.

The attack on Pearl Harbor forced the United States into World War II, as a declaration of war on Japan on Dec. 8, 1941 led to war with the Axis in Europe. With new allies in the United Kingdom, Russia, and other Allied nations, the United States slowly built itself up as a global superpower with involvement in multiple foreign affairs. Immediately following Japan's surrender, it became a part of the division of the Korean Peninsula that ultimately led to the Korean War.

Observing Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day is akin to honoring the birth of the modern United States, but there’s more to the unofficial holiday. To understand another part of the day’s importance, consider a quote by philosopher George Santayana.

History Repeats Itself

“Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.” Pulled from The Life of Reason, Vol. 1 Reason in Common Sense, Santayana’s phrase has spawned many versions, but they all point to the same warning.

Source: Navy Ministry

Though Japan surprised the naval base, there were missteps on the part of United States intelligence and leadership that left the naval base unaware of and ill-prepared for movement in the Pacific. One such example is a memo dated three days before the attack that detailed Japan’s surveillance of Hawaii as an attack point. The memo went largely ignored, and the attack was never prepared for.

Remember the People

Finally, but certainly not least important, Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day allows the nation to collectively commemorate the men and women that were killed during the attack that day. From the 1,177 crew members aboard the USS Arizona battleship to the civilians struck by stray fire closer to Honolulu, HI, the day is intended to honor their memory.

Source: National Park Service

It also serves as a means of recognizing the dwindling number of survivors, including men like Ray Chavez and Jim Downing, respectively the oldest and second oldest Pearl Harbor survivors, and the more than 100,000 Japanese-Americans that were imprisoned following Executive Order 9066. Ceremonies held across the country and in Pearl Harbor are dedicated to the more than thousands of Americans that were affected by the events of that quiet Sunday morning in December.

More from News

Donald Trump; Superman (2025) poster
Joe Raedle/Getty Images; Warner Bros. Pictures

White House Blasted After Portraying Trump As Superman In Bonkers Poster Mock-up

The White House was mercilessly mocked online after it posted a revised poster for the latest Superman film that features President Donald Trump as the Man of Steel.

The latest big screen adaptation of the famed superhero comic, Superman, was directed by James Gunn and stars David Corenswet as the titular superhero, Rachel Brosnahan as Lois Lane, and Nicholas Hoult as Lex Luthor. The film has received positive reviews and has already made an estimated $2.8 million from Tuesday previews for a total $21 million, including Thursday previews.

Keep ReadingShow less
Screenshot of Charlie Kirk
Real America's Voice

MAGA Influencer Charlie Kirk Called Out After Blaming DEI For High Death Toll In Texas Flooding Disaster

Turning Point USA founder and MAGA influencer Charlie Kirk was harshly criticized after he claimed the death toll in the flash floods that have devastated central Texas "would not have been as high if it wasn't for DEI," ridiculously suggesting that principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion were responsible.

Kirk's comments are reflective of President Donald Trump’s broader push to dismantle federal programs focused on diversity and inclusion—part of what he pledged in his inaugural address would be a campaign to stop attempts to “socially engineer race and gender into every aspect of public and private life.”

Keep ReadingShow less

People Reveal The Dark Secrets They Discovered About Someone After They Died

Sometimes you never know who someone is until they're gone.

Everyone has their secrets.

Keep ReadingShow less
Screenshot of Jesse Watters; Hakeem Jeffries
Fox News; Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images

Jesse Watters Pathetically Tries To Burn Hakeem Jeffries With Bizarre 'Rule For Men' Rant

Fox News personality Jesse Watters was widely mocked after he criticized House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries for having recently shared a photo of himself on Instagram that appeared to be digitally altered—with the bench he was leaning against noticeably warped around his hips.

You can see Jeffries' photo below.

Keep ReadingShow less
Snoop Dogg
Christopher Polk/Billboard via Getty Images

Snoop Dogg's Puppy Instagram Breaks Internet

Snoop Dogg introduced his fans to the newest little bow-wow in his household, a puppy named Baby Boy Broadus.

The adorable small tan French bulldog made his debut on the rapper’s Instagram account on June 28th, sporting a Louis Vuitton leash and chewing on his owner’s Death Row Jacket.

Keep ReadingShow less