Pearl Harbor’s 84th Anniversary Marks First Ceremony Without Survivors

The 84th anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor took place on December 7, 2025, in Oahu, Hawaii, marking a significant moment in history as it was the first ceremony without any surviving veterans from the tragic events of December 7, 1941. A small group of World War II veterans gathered to honor the day, but none of the attendees had experienced the attack themselves. The absence of survivors underscores the passage of time since the devastating assault on American soil.

The Sons and Daughters of Pearl Harbor Survivors maintain a registry of remaining veterans, which now lists only 12 individuals who lived through the attack, all of whom are over 100 years old and unable to travel, according to reports from Stripes. Last year, two survivors, Ken Stevens and Ira Schab, were present at the ceremony. Stevens passed away in the spring at the age of 102, while Schab, who is 105, was unable to attend this year due to health concerns.

Commemorating a Historic Event

The theme for this year’s commemoration was “Building Pathways to Peace.” The event featured speakers who emphasized the importance of remembering the sacrifices made by those who served during one of the nation’s most difficult times. Tom Leatherman, superintendent of the Pearl Harbor National Memorial, addressed the audience, stating, “Today, we mark a deeply emotional milestone. [The survivors’] absence is felt profoundly… You have carried the torch for so long, and now it is up to us, not only to receive it, but to ensure that its light never fades.”

The attack on Pearl Harbor was launched by the Imperial Japanese Navy on the morning of December 7, 1941, involving 353 aircraft from four aircraft carriers. The surprise assault resulted in the destruction of 188 Army and Marine Corps planes and significant damage to the U.S. Pacific Fleet, including the sinking of the USS Arizona, which resulted in the deaths of 1,177 crew members. Overall, the attack claimed 2,403 American lives, including 68 civilians.

Legacy and Peace Initiatives

In the aftermath of the attack, President Franklin D. Roosevelt delivered his “Day of Infamy” speech to Congress, leading to the United States’ formal entry into World War II. The Pearl Harbor National Memorial now serves not only as a site of remembrance but also as a platform for promoting peace initiatives through its partnership with the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park. This collaboration emphasizes reconciliation and shared educational experiences, turning a location of immense tragedy into a space for learning and understanding.

As the Pearl Harbor National Memorial seeks to highlight the human cost of war, it also underscores the importance of diplomacy and education in preventing future conflicts. The ongoing relationship with Hiroshima exemplifies how shared history, even in its most painful aspects, can foster enduring friendship and cooperation between former adversaries.

As the annual ceremony concludes without any survivors, it calls for a renewed commitment to remembering the past and ensuring that the lessons learned from the events of December 7 remain relevant for generations to come. The legacy of those who served continues to resonate, emphasizing the need for peace and understanding in an ever-changing world.