The National Park Service and the U. S. Navy will host a joint memorial ceremony commemorating the 68th anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7^th on board Naval Station Pearl Harbor’s Kilo Pier from 7:40- 9:30 a.m.

More than 2,000 distinguished guests and the general public will join military personnel, both active and Pearl Harbor survivors, for the annual observance of the 1941 attack on Pearl Harbor.

The theme of this year’s historic commemoration, “But Not in Shame:  The Aftermath of Pearl Harbor,” reflects on remembering the brave efforts of those who continued the battle that expanded throughout the Pacific after the devastation at Pearl Harbor.  The Pacific War itself was fought on a gigantic stage that covered nearly half of the earth and would last for 44 months.  Battles were fought on sea and land and the loss of ships, aircraft and men was unparalleled in the history of the Pacific.  For military who serve today and the public, this ceremony provides a study of lessons learned and an opportunity to express gratitude towards the Pearl Harbor and Pacific War veterans for their sacrifices and perseverance towards victory.

Highlights of the ceremony will include music by the U.S. Pacific Fleet Band, morning colors, a Hawaiian blessing, a rifle salute by members of the U.S. Marine Corps, wreath presentations, echo taps and recognition of the men and women who survived that December 7, 1941, and those who made the ultimate sacrifice for their country.

At 7:55 a.m., the exact moment the Japanese attack began 68 years ago, a moment of silence will be observed.  The USS LAKE ERIE (CG 70) will render honors to the USS Arizona. Military aircraft will fly over the memorial in a “missing man” formation.

The commemoration is free of charge and the public is invited to attend.  Active duty personnel, civilians with valid military ID and invited guests with invitations are allowed access on base in their vehicles.  Due to strict security measures on Naval Station Pearl Harbor, general public wishing to attend the commemoration will be required to board U.S. Navy boats departing from the USS Arizona Memorial Visitor Center, which will transport guests to the commemoration site at Kilo Pier.  Seats for the general public on the U.S. Navy boats to the commemoration are limited, and available on a first-come-first-served basis.  The first U.S. Navy boat for the general public will depart from the Visitor Center at 6:20 a.m., and the last boat will depart at 7 a.m. The visitor center will open at 5:30 a.m..

For more information about the Pearl Harbor Day 68th Anniversary Commemoration Ceremony, call the National Park Service at (808) 422-2771, ext. 119 or visit their Web site at http://www.nps.gov/valr; or contact the Navy Region Hawaii Public Affairs Office at (808) 473-2920.

(photo credit:  http://www.flickr.com/photos/cleopold73/ / CC BY 2.0)