Tribute to the 71th Anniversary of Pearl Harbor

On December 7, 1941, this nation fell victim to a surprise aerial attack by the Imperial Japanese Navy that claimed the lives of more than 2,000 Americans, including 68 civilians. This attack did not only propel US involvement into the war, but it unified this nation and helped shape who we are today. We pay tribute to those who lost their lives that fateful day and to those that followed so bravely. Without their courage, sacrifice and perseverance, freedom would not have triumphed. Today we join the nation in saluting the veterans of Pearl Harbor and all of those who bravely served in World War II.

The smoldering battleship USS NEVEDA silhouetted in the fire and smoke of the destroyer
USS SHAW which exploded when her magazine was hit by bombs from Japanese aircraft
during the attack on Pearl Harbor on Dec. 7, 1941. Photo courtesty of the National Archives.