Ceremony Commemorates Pearl Harbor 80th Anniversary

08 December 2021

From MC1 Sean La Marr, U.S. Pacific Fleet Public Affairs

PEARL HARBOR, Hawaii - World War II veterans, including survivors of the Dec. 7, 1941, attack, joined family, friends, dignitaries and service members in the remembrance ceremony at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam's Kilo Pier, Dec. 7.

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Nearly 200 World War II veterans, 32 of which were Pearl Harbor survivors, traveled to Oahu for the week-long series of events throughout the first week of December to honor the valor and sacrifice of America’s service members and civilians in World War II.

The ceremony began with a moment of silence and the presentation of colors by the Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard color guard, with the U.S. Pacific Fleet Band performing the national anthem, before a prerecorded message from President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. was played.

“Dec. 7, 1941, still that day that lives in infamy 80 years later,” said Biden. “We must honor those who perished and salute the courage of the greatest generation who solidified our nation and values in the world.”

PEARL HARBOR, Hawaii (Dec. 7, 2021) Family and friends of Pearl Harbor survivors and World War II veterans give a round of applause to all veterans at the 80th Anniversary Pearl Harbor Remembrance. Dec. 7, 2021 marks the 80th anniversary of the attacks on Pearl Harbor and Oahu. The U.S. military, State of Hawaii and National Park Service are hosting a series of remembrance events throughout the week to honor the courage and sacrifices of those who served throughout the Pacific theater. Today, the U.S.-Japan Alliance is a cornerstone of peace and security in a free and open Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Kelby Sanders)

PEARL HARBOR, Hawaii (Dec. 7, 2021) Two World War II veterans thank each other for their service during the 80th Anniversary Pearl Harbor Remembrance. Dec. 7, 2021 marks the 80th anniversary of the attacks on Pearl Harbor and Oahu. The U.S. military, State of Hawaii and National Park Service are hosting a series of remembrance events throughout the week to honor the courage and sacrifices of those who served throughout the Pacific theater. Today, the U.S.-Japan Alliance is a cornerstone of peace and security in a free and open Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Kelby Sanders)

PEARL HARBOR, Hawaii (Dec. 7, 2021) Secretary of the Navy (SECNAV) Carlos Del Toro, right, Rear Adm. Timothy J. Kott, commander, Navy Region Hawaii, center, and National Park Service Superintendent Thomas C. Leatherman, bow their heads during the benediction at the 80th Anniversary Pearl Harbor Remembrance. Dec. 7, 2021 marks the 80th anniversary of the attacks on Pearl Harbor and Oahu. The U.S. military, State of Hawaii and National Park Service are hosting a series of remembrance events throughout the week to honor the courage and sacrifices of those who served throughout the Pacific theater. Today, the U.S.-Japan Alliance is a cornerstone of peace and security in a free and open Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Kelby Sanders)

PEARL HARBOR, Hawaii (Dec. 7, 2021) Pearl Harbor survivors and World War II veterans, along with family and friends, render honors at the 80th Anniversary Pearl Harbor Remembrance. Dec. 7, 2021 marks the 80th anniversary of the attacks on Pearl Harbor and Oahu. The U.S. military, State of Hawaii and National Park Service are hosting a series of remembrance events throughout the week to honor the courage and sacrifices of those who served throughout the Pacific theater. Today, the U.S.-Japan Alliance is a cornerstone of peace and security in a free and open Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Kelby Sanders)

PEARL HARBOR, Hawaii (Dec. 7, 2021) Secretary of the Navy (SECNAV) Carlos Del Toro passes through sideboys upon his arrival at the 80th Anniversary Pearl Harbor Remembrance. Dec. 7, 2021 marks the 80th anniversary of the attacks on Pearl Harbor and Oahu. The U.S. military, State of Hawaii and National Park Service are hosting a series of remembrance events throughout the week to honor the courage and sacrifices of those who served throughout the Pacific theater. Today, the U.S.-Japan Alliance is a cornerstone of peace and security in a free and open Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Kelby Sanders)

PEARL HARBOR, Hawaii (Dec. 7, 2021) Rear Adm. Timothy J. Kott, commander, Navy Region Hawaii, passes through sideboys upon his arrival at the 80th Anniversary Pearl Harbor Remembrance. Dec. 7, 2021 marks the 80th anniversary of the attacks on Pearl Harbor and Oahu. The U.S. military, State of Hawaii and National Park Service are hosting a series of remembrance events throughout the week to honor the courage and sacrifices of those who served throughout the Pacific theater. Today, the U.S.-Japan Alliance is a cornerstone of peace and security in a free and open Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Kelby Sanders)

PEARL HARBOR, Hawaii (Dec. 7, 2021) Sailors aboard Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Chung Hoon (DDG 93) render honors while passing the USS Arizona Memorial as part of the 80th Anniversary Pearl Harbor Remembrance. Dec. 7, 2021, marks the 80th anniversary of the attacks on Pearl Harbor and Oahu. The U.S. military, State of Hawaii and National Park Service are hosting a series of remembrance events throughout the week to honor the courage and sacrifices of those who served throughout the Pacific Theater. Today, the U.S.-Japan Alliance is a cornerstone of peace and security in a free and open Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Nick Bauer)

PEARL HARBOR, Hawaii (Dec. 7, 2021) A National Park Service ranger, along with service members from each military branch, participate in a wreath presentation ceremony during the 80th Anniversary Pearl Harbor Remembrance. Dec. 7, 2021, marks the 80th anniversary of the attacks on Pearl Harbor and Oahu. The U.S. military, State of Hawaii and National Park Service are hosting a series of remembrance events throughout the week to honor the courage and sacrifices of those who served throughout the Pacific Theater. Today, the U.S.-Japan Alliance is a cornerstone of peace and security in a free and open Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Nick Bauer)

PEARL HARBOR, Hawaii (Dec. 7, 2021) Secretary of the Navy (SECNAV) Carlos Del Toro interacts with a World War II veteran during the 80th Anniversary Pearl Harbor Remembrance. Dec. 7, 2021, marks the 80th anniversary of the attacks on Pearl Harbor and Oahu. The U.S. military, State of Hawaii and National Park Service are hosting a series of remembrance events throughout the week to honor the courage and sacrifices of those who served throughout the Pacific Theater. Today, the U.S.-Japan Alliance is a cornerstone of peace and security in a free and open Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Nick Bauer)

PEARL HARBOR, Hawaii (Dec. 7, 2021) Muscian Seaman Cory Johnson, U.S. Pacific Fleet Band, plays taps at the 80th Anniversary Pearl Harbor Remembrance. Dec. 7, 2021, marks the 80th anniversary of the attacks on Pearl Harbor and Oahu. The U.S. military, State of Hawaii and National Park Service are hosting a series of remembrance events throughout the week to honor the courage and sacrifices of those who served throughout the Pacific Theater. Today, the U.S.-Japan Alliance is a cornerstone of peace and security in a free and open Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Jessica Gray)

PEARL HARBOR, Hawaii (Dec. 7, 2021) Kahu, or Hawaiian pastor, Kordell Kekoa performs a Hawaiian blessing at the 80th Anniversary Pearl Harbor Remembrance. Dec. 7, 2021, marks the 80th anniversary of the attacks on Pearl Harbor and Oahu. The U.S. military, State of Hawaii and National Park Service are hosting a series of remembrance events throughout the week to honor the courage and sacrifices of those who served throughout the Pacific Theater. Today, the U.S.-Japan Alliance is a cornerstone of peace and security in a free and open Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Jessica Gray)

PEARL HARBOR, Hawaii (Dec. 7, 2021) Marines assigned to Marine Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Squadron (VMU) 3 stand at attention as the sailors aboard Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Chung Hoong (DDG 93) render honors to the USS Arizona Memorial during the 80th Anniversary Pearl Harbor Remembrance. Dec. 7, 2021, marks the 80th anniversary of the attacks on Pearl Harbor and Oahu. The U.S. military, State of Hawaii and National Park Service are hosting a series of remembrance events throughout the week to honor the courage and sacrifices of those who served throughout the Pacific Theater. Today, the U.S.-Japan Alliance is a cornerstone of peace and security in a free and open Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Jeremy Lemmon Jr.)

SECNAV Carlos Del Toro delivers remarks during a ceremony to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the Dec. 7, 1941 Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor.

Secretary of the Navy (SECNAV) Carlos Del Toro delivers remarks during the 80th Anniversary Pearl Harbor Remembrance.

Following the presidential message, the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Chung-Hoon (DDG 93) performed a pass-in-review before a Hawaiian blessing performed by Kahu Kordell Kekoa.

Guest speakers for the ceremony included Thomas C. Leatherman, superintendent, National Park Service, and Rear Adm. Timothy J. Kott, commander, Navy Region Hawaii..

“Veterans, it is truly an honor to welcome you back to Pearl Harbor,” said Kott. “We extend our ‘Aloha’ and deep appreciation in recognition of your selfless service and sacrifice on this day in 1941, and all of the years that followed.”

World War II veterans, including survivors of the Dec. 7, 1941, attack, attended the commemoration ceremony.

The Honorable Carlos Del Toro, Secretary of the Navy, served as the keynote speaker for the event where he detailed the courage and patriotism of the veterans and local civilians who fought that day.

“We gather today to remember all of those that we lost on that grimmest day,” said Del Toro. “We also gather to honor the bravery and skill of all who fought back, who saved lives and those who persevered.”

The ceremony concluded with a 21-gun rifle salute by Marines assigned to Marine Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Squadron (VMU) 3 and the playing of Echo Taps by the U.S. Pacific Fleet Band.

Dec. 7, 2021, marks the 80th anniversary of the attacks on Pearl Harbor and Oahu. The U.S. military, State of Hawaii and National Park Service are hosting a series of remembrance events throughout the week to honor the courage and sacrifices of those who served throughout the Pacific Theater. Today, the U.S.-Japan Alliance is a cornerstone of peace and security in a free and open Indo-Pacific region.

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