Lights for Peace: Pearl Harbor National Memorial Remembers the Atomic Bombing of Japan 81 Years Later

Tuesday, July 28, 2026

For Immediate Release: 07/28/2026

Contact: David Kilton, david_kilton@nps.gov, 808-633-5274

HONOLULU, HI– Pearl Harbor National Memorial will partner with Manhattan

Project National Historical Park Sites to remember the 81st anniversary of the atomic

bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Lights for Peace is an after-hours event and

luminary ceremony hosted on August 7, 2026. Visitors can join the event starting at 5

p.m. with the program ending at 7:50 p.m. Pearl Harbor National Memorial is located

at 1 Arizona Memorial Place, Honolulu, HI 96818.

Visitors can participate in the days leading to the event by writing messages of

inspiration and peace on the luminary bags during their visit to the park between

August 3 and 7. The illuminated bags will be placed along the shoreline of Pearl

Harbor by those in attendance during the event. National Park Service staff will be

present to share stories of the peace and reconciliation that grew out of the harrowing

reality of World War II.

This annual event will include:

5:30 p.m. Sadako Program and Crane Folding

6:15 p.m. Main Program

- Opening Remarks by Spiritual Leader

- Reflection on Hiroshima Peace Park partnership – Ranger Holly Dobbs and

Education Program alumni student

- Musical Performance

- Ranger Program – Ranger Emily Welch

7:00 p.m. Lighting of the Luminaria and Reflection at the Shoreline of Pearl Harbor

National Memorial

7:50 p.m. Program Concludes

For additional questions about this program, please email PERL_Info@nps.gov. or

reach out directly to Pearl Harbor National Memorial’s Press Contact David Kilton.

Pearl Harbor National Memorial does not charge an admission fee, however there is a

$7 per day parking fee. Pearl Harbor National Memorial shoreside displays will be

open for the public, as well.

About Pearl Harbor National Memorial: Pearl Harbor National Memorial is a fee-free

site, and no reservations are required to enter the Visitor Center and museums or to

walk the park grounds. Pearl Harbor National Memorial and its partners preserve,

interpret, and commemorate the history of World War II in the Pacific from the events

leading to the December 7, 1941, attack on O’ahu, to peace and reconciliation. For

more about the memorial, please visit nps.gov/pearlharbor,

About the National Park Service. Established in 1916, the National Park Service

preserves America’s most treasured natural and cultural places for the enjoyment,

education and inspiration of current and future generations. Learn more at nps.gov.

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