Pearl Harbor 85th Commemoration to Draw Visitors to Oahu Historic Sites of Remembrance

PEARL HARBOR 85TH COMMEMORATION TO DRAW VISITORS TO OAHU HISTORIC SITES OF REMEMBRANCE

Public observances Dec. 6-8 will honor the courage, service and sacrifice of those impacted by the Dec. 7, 1941, attack

World War II veterans and commemoration participants gather inside the USS Arizona Memorial Shrine Room during the 84th Pearl Harbor Commemoration in 2025. Photo courtesy of Pacific Historic Parks.

HONOLULU (Oct. 9, 2026) – Pacific Historic Parks and the U.S. National Park Service will present public ceremonies, educational programs and remembrance opportunities at Pearl Harbor National Memorial and other sites on Oahu from Dec. 6-8 in observance of the 85th anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor.

Under the theme “Courage of Commitment,” this milestone commemoration is expected to draw thousands of veterans, military families, visitors, history enthusiasts and members of the public from across the nation and around the world to honor the lives lost and the generations shaped by the attack that brought the United States into World War II.

At Pearl Harbor National Memorial, the USS Arizona Memorial honors the 1,177 Sailors and Marines who lost their lives aboard the battleship that day. Inside the Memorial’s Shrine Room, their names are etched in marble and illuminated by natural light, creating a place of reflection that continues to draw visitors from around the world.

While the USS Arizona Memorial remains the most recognized symbol of Dec. 7, the story of the attack extends across Oahu, from Pearl Harbor and Battleship Row to Schofield Barracks, Hickam Field, Naval Air Station Kaneohe Bay and Barbers Point. Together, these sites reflect the reach of the attack and the military and civilian communities affected across the island.

“The 85th commemoration is an opportunity for residents and visitors to reflect on the courage, service and sacrifice that shaped our nation’s history,” said Aileen Utterdyke, President and CEO of Pacific Historic Parks. “Pacific Historic Parks is honored to support Pearl Harbor National Memorial through education, preservation and programs that help people better understand the events of Dec. 7, 1941.”

85TH PEARL HARBOR COMMEMORATION EVENTS

• Sunday, Dec. 6 | 4:30 p.m.

  USS Utah Ceremony, Ford Island

  Open to the public; visitors must have military base access to Ford Island.

  
  

• Monday, Dec. 7 | 7:30 a.m.

  National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Ceremony

  Open to the public.

  
  

• Monday, Dec. 7 | 1 p.m.

  USS Oklahoma Ceremony, Ford Island

  Open to the public; visitors must have military base access to Ford Island.

  
  

• Tuesday, Dec. 8 | 5 p.m.

  Blackened Canteen Ceremony at Pearl Harbor National Memorial

  Invitation-only event; not open to the public.

For the latest schedule and visitor information, visit www.pearlharborevents.com.

About Pacific Historic Parks

Pacific Historic Parks helps preserve Pearl Harbor’s history through education, interpretive programs, research, preservation and restoration. Every year on the anniversary of December 7th, 1941, Pacific Historic Parks works closely with the National Park Service and U.S. Navy to honor the legacy of all WWII veterans, and commemorate the sacrifices made by our nation’s Greatest Generation during one of the most pivotal events in American history. Learn more at www.pacifichistoricparks.org/mission.