Beginning at 12:53 p.m. EST on December 7, Friends of the National World War II Memorial (Friends) and the National Park Service (NPS) will livestream a pre-recorded virtual ceremony in special commemoration of the “date which will live in infamy.”
On this day 79 years ago, the Japanese surprise attack on Pearl Harbor killed 2,403 U.S. personnel—including 68 civilians—and destroyed or damaged 19 U.S. Navy ships, including 8 battleships.
A live ceremony will then commence at 1:15 p.m. However, due to Covid-19 restrictions the laying of the wreaths at the National World War II Memorial’s Freedom Wall will be closed to the public. Friends encourages people to tune in via their Facebook page to watch the coverage.
The livestream will include:
—Pearl Harbor Survivor and World War II Veteran Rev. Richard Young
—Friends of the National World War II Memorial Chairman Josiah Bunting III
—Friends of the National World War II Memorial Vice Chairman Jane Droppa
—Navy Chaplain Thomas P. O’Flanagan, CDR/CHC/USN
—National Park Service Living History Volunteers Patrick McCourt and Sidney Wade
—Military District of Washington Armed Forces Color Guard
—U.S. Navy Ceremonial Band Brass Quintet, Bugler, and Bell Ringer
Click here for more information about the commemoration and other Friends events.
