As the sun rises this Sunday, communities across the nation pause to remember an event that forever changed the course of history: the attack on Pearl Harbor. December 7, 2025, marks the 84th anniversary of the surprise strike by Japanese forces on the United States naval base at Pearl Harbor, Oahu, Hawaii—a day President Franklin D. Roosevelt once declared would live in infamy. This year, remembrance ceremonies and reflections are taking on new forms, from online gatherings in Minnesota to solemn proclamations in West Virginia, ensuring that the courage and sacrifice of Americans are not forgotten.
At the heart of Minnesota’s commemorations is a special online Pearl Harbor Remembrance event hosted by the Minnesota Military & Veterans Museum, scheduled for 4:00 p.m. on Sunday. According to WJON News, this program aims to honor the Minnesotans whose bravery shaped the earliest moments of America’s entry into World War II. Registration is required for this virtual ceremony, which stands as a testament to the enduring commitment to education and remembrance—even as the number of living veterans from that era dwindles.
Randal Dietrich, Executive Director of the Minnesota Military & Veterans Museum, will deliver remarks focusing on the legacy of the USS Ward. This vessel, manned by a significant contingent of Minnesotans, fired the first American shots of World War II. Dietrich emphasizes the importance of remembering these men, stating that those aboard the USS Ward "were among the first to confront the dangers of a world at war, and remembering Pearl Harbor ensures that their courage and sacrifices are never forgotten." His words echo a broader sentiment shared by many: the stories of those who served must be preserved for future generations.
The ceremony will also offer a glimpse into the museum’s forthcoming projects—a new Pearl Harbor theater and a World War II exhibit and gallery, both slated to open in the summer of 2026. These additions will further the museum’s mission to document and share the experiences of Minnesotans who have served in all branches of the military, from the Civil War to present day. Located at Camp Ripley, the Minnesota Military & Veterans Museum curates a vast collection of artifacts, personal stories, and educational programs, ensuring that the state’s military heritage remains vibrant and accessible.
While Minnesota honors its own, West Virginia is engaging in acts of collective remembrance as well. On Saturday, December 6, 2025, West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrisey signed a proclamation recognizing Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day in the state. As reported by WV News, Governor Morrisey called upon West Virginians to observe a moment of silence or prayer at 7:55 a.m. on Sunday—the exact time when the attack began in 1941. This gesture, simple yet profound, bridges generations and invites reflection on the cost of conflict and the value of peace.
The attack itself remains one of the most devastating days in American military history. More than 2,300 Americans lost their lives, and over 1,100 were wounded during the assault on December 7, 1941. The Japanese forces succeeded in destroying or crippling aircraft on the ground and 21 naval ships, including the USS West Virginia—a vessel with deep ties to the state that bears its name. The human toll extended far beyond that morning; by the time World War II concluded in 1945, more than 7,000 West Virginians had died in service, a staggering sacrifice for a single state.
WV News has published an extensive list of names from the West Virginia Veterans Memorial Archives Database, honoring those who made the ultimate sacrifice during World War II. Each name represents a story—a family changed, a community impacted, and a legacy that endures. The inclusion of these names in public remembrance ensures that the scale of loss is never reduced to mere numbers, but remains deeply personal and real.
The significance of Pearl Harbor stretches far beyond the boundaries of Hawaii or the states most directly affected. The attack marked a pivotal turning point: it propelled the United States into World War II, uniting a previously divided nation and setting in motion events that would shape the modern world. In the days and weeks following the attack, Americans from every corner of the country answered the call to serve, whether on the front lines or in support roles at home.
For Minnesotans, the story of the USS Ward serves as a powerful reminder of the state’s unique connection to that fateful day. The ship’s crew, many of whom hailed from Minnesota, demonstrated remarkable initiative and bravery as they fired upon a Japanese submarine just hours before the main attack began. Their actions, often overshadowed by the larger narrative of Pearl Harbor, highlight the diverse contributions of Americans from all walks of life.
The Minnesota Military & Veterans Museum’s upcoming Pearl Harbor theater and World War II exhibit aim to bring these stories to life. By combining artifacts, personal testimonies, and interactive displays, the museum hopes to engage visitors of all ages and backgrounds. The new gallery will not only honor those who served in World War II but also connect their experiences to broader themes of service, sacrifice, and citizenship.
Meanwhile, in West Virginia, the legacy of the USS West Virginia remains a focal point of community remembrance. The battleship, which was sunk during the attack and later raised and repaired, became a symbol of resilience and determination. Its story, and the stories of those who served aboard her, continue to inspire pride and reflection among West Virginians.
Governor Morrisey’s proclamation and the call for a moment of silence reflect a statewide commitment to honoring the past. Such acts of remembrance are not merely ceremonial; they serve to educate new generations about the realities of war and the responsibilities of citizenship. As the years pass and the events of World War II recede further into history, these commemorations become all the more vital.
Across the United States, Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day is marked by a variety of events, from wreath-laying ceremonies to educational programs in schools. The day serves as an opportunity for Americans to reflect not only on the events of December 7, 1941, but also on the enduring values of courage, sacrifice, and unity that emerged in its aftermath. Museums, veterans’ organizations, and local governments all play a role in keeping these memories alive.
In a world that sometimes feels increasingly divided, the story of Pearl Harbor offers a reminder of what can be achieved when a nation comes together in the face of adversity. The sacrifices made by Minnesotans, West Virginians, and countless others during World War II continue to resonate, shaping the character of communities and the nation as a whole.
This Sunday, as bells toll and moments of silence are observed, Americans of all ages are invited to remember not just the tragedy of Pearl Harbor, but also the heroism and resolve that followed. Through online events, museum exhibits, and simple acts of remembrance, the legacy of December 7, 1941, endures—ensuring that the stories of those who served are never lost to time.
