Pearl Harbor is a place of great historical significance for the United States and the world. It was the site of a surprise attack by the Japanese on December 7, 1941, that led to the United States’ entry into World War II. The attack resulted in the deaths of over 2,400 Americans and the destruction of the Pacific Fleet, which was anchored at Pearl Harbor at the time.
The attack on Pearl Harbor was a turning point in American history. Prior to the attack, the United States had been neutral in the war, but the devastating attack on American soil led to a united call for war against Japan and the Axis powers. President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s famous speech, in which he declared December 7th “a date which will live in infamy,” rallied the country to enter the war and marked the beginning of America’s involvement in World War II.
Today, Pearl Harbor serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made by the American people during World War II. The USS Arizona Memorial, which sits above the remains of the USS Arizona, is a powerful and emotional memorial to the sailors and Marines who lost their lives in the attack. Visitors can also tour the USS Missouri, the battleship on which Japan officially surrendered to the United States, and the Pacific Aviation Museum, which showcases the history of military aviation in the Pacific.
In addition to its historical significance, Pearl Harbor is also an important site for education and remembrance. The National Park Service, which operates the Pearl Harbor National Memorial, offers a variety of educational programs for students and adults, as well as tours and exhibits that help visitors understand the significance of the attack and the role it played in shaping American history.
The memory of the attack on Pearl Harbor will forever be etched in the history of the United States and the world. It serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made by the American people during World War II, and the importance of peace and unity in the face of adversity. It is a powerful reminder of the bravery and dedication of the men and women who defended our country, and a call to remember their sacrifice.
You can visit this historic place on any of our Pearl Harbor Tours:
- Tour 88: Pearl Harbor & Honolulu City
- Tour 77: Salute to Pearl Harbor
- Tour 66: Pearl Harbor Remembered
