84 Years Later — We Remember the Attack on Attack on Pearl Harbor

Today marks the 84th anniversary of the Japanese bombing of Pearl Harbor, a surprise attack on December 7, 1941, that killed 2,403 American service members and civilians, sank or damaged much of the U.S. Pacific Fleet, and drew the United States into World War II.

Across the nation and beyond, memorial ceremonies honor those who lost their lives. At the Pearl Harbor National Memorial in Hawaii, the flagship “84th Anniversary Commemoration” begins this morning with a wreath-laying ceremony, a moment of silence.

In Southern California, there are several ways for residents to pay tribute. One meaningful place is the Go for Broke Monument in Little Tokyo, Los Angeles. The monument honors Japanese-American soldiers of World War II, many of whom served shortly after Pearl Harbor, and serves as a powerful reminder of both sacrifice and resilience.

Additionally, local veterans’ organizations and community groups often hold their own small ceremonies or observances. Even if formal events are not widely publicized this year, people can light a candle, spend a quiet moment of reflection, or visit a memorial to keep alive the memory of those who served and perished.