Remembering Pearl Harbor

The attack on Pearl Harbor remains one of the most defining moments in American history, a day that would forever alter the course of World War II and history as we know it.

On December 7, 1941, a surprise military strike by the Imperial Japanese Navy devastated the U.S. Pacific Fleet. The attack killed thousands and propelled the United States into the largest conflict the world had ever seen.

President Franklin D. Roosevelt, in an address to Congress the following day, immortalized the event as“a date which will live in infamy.”

While the attack was a devastating blow, it ultimately sealed Japan’s fate. Before Pearl Harbor, the U.S. remained largely neutral, hesitant to enter another global war after the hardships of World War I.

However, Japan’s gamble backfired. The attack unified the American people in a way few events ever had, turning the U.S. into an unstoppable force that would eventually help defeat the Axis powers about four years later to win World War 2.

The Lead-Up to the Attack: Japan’s Strategic Move

Tensions between the United States and Japan had been rising for years. Japan’s expansionist policies in the Pacific had led to sanctions from the U.S., including restrictions on oil exports that threatened Japan’s war efforts.

Facing dwindling resources, Japan saw an attack on the U.S. Pacific Fleet at Pearl Harbor as a necessary move to secure dominance in the region.

On November 26, 1941, a Japanese Striking Force—consisting of six aircraft carriers—left Japan en route to Hawaii, carrying 360 attack planes. A fleet of submarines also departed a day earlier on November 25, though many were spotted and destroyed before the attack could begin.

Their mission was clear and simple: Cripple the U.S. naval presence in the Pacific before America could mount a defense.

The Beginning of the Attack

At 7:48 AM Hawaiian time, the skies over Pearl Harbor filled with the roar of incoming Japanese aircraft. The first wave of 183 planes, divided into three attack groups, struck their targets with precision. Naval air stations, warships, and airfields were hit in quick succession, catching the base completely off guard.

Many sailors and soldiers awoke to alarms blaring and explosions shaking the ground as bombs rained down on them and the harbor.

The second wave, consisting of 171 additional aircraft, followed soon after, focusing on destroying aircraft on the ground and hangars ashore. The entire attack lasted only 90 minutes, but in that short time, the devastation was immense.

• 2,386 Americans lost their lives, including 55 civilians, with another 1,139 wounded.
• The USS Arizona, hit by a catastrophic explosion, sank with 1,177 crew members still aboard, making it the single greatest loss of life during the attack.
• The USS Oklahoma capsized, the USS Nevada was deliberately beached, and several others, like the USS California and USS Utah, were heavily damaged or destroyed.
• Of the 402 aircraft stationed in Hawaii, 188 were destroyed and another 159 damaged, severely weakening American naval and air capabilities in the Pacific.
• In comparison, the Japanese suffered minimal losses, with 55 airmen and nine submariners killed, and only 29 of their 414 planes shot down.

Japan ultimately decided against launching a third wave, a decision that some historians argue could have completely crippled U.S. Pacific operations for months.

The Flag at Pearl Harbor

Amid the chaos and destruction, one enduring symbol stood strong—the American flag. The flag aboard the USS Arizona continued to fly even as the ship sank, and in the days following the attack, surviving sailors raised flags over damaged ships, demonstrating the nation’s refusal to be defeated.

The attack also reinforced the role of the American flag in military ceremonies. Those looking to honor the sacrifices made by these heroes can explore Memorial and Veteran Tribute Flags as a way to keep history alive.

Wartime Propaganda

Following the attack, wartime propaganda prominently featured the American flag, especially on recruitment posters and war bond campaigns. The phrase “Remember Pearl Harbor” was also often accompanied by a waving American flag.

For those interested in the history of wartime flags, World War II Historical Flags serve as a reminder of the national spirit that carried the U.S. to victory.

Pearl Harbor’s Influence on Flag Etiquette and Memorial Traditions

The attack on Pearl Harbor influenced modern flag etiquette and military memorial traditions. It solidified the practice of flying flags at half-staff on December 7th each year in remembrance of those who lost their lives.

Learn more about flag etiquette and when to fly your flag at half-staff here!

Military funerals, often held for the sailors who perished that day, featured flag-draped caskets and folded flag presentations to grieving families. Today, these traditions continue and follow similar guidelines to respect the sacrifices given.

The USS Arizona Memorial: Flags as a Living Tribute

The USS Arizona Memorial, built over the sunken remains of the battleship, serves as a permanent place of reflection. Each year, ceremonies at the site include flag-raising tributes to honor the fallen.

For those who want to honor Pearl Harbor’s legacy at home, Pearl Harbor Remembrance Flags are available as a meaningful way to commemorate this historic event.

A Lasting Legacy

The attack on Pearl Harbor was a major turning point in history, shaping the trajectory of World War II and the world’s future. Without the attack, America would have remained neutral much longer, potentially prolonging the war and increasing the risk of fascism and communism gaining more ground.

The American flag, present through every moment of the attack and in every battle that followed, remains the number one symbol of American pride, liberty, and honor—values we hold highly here at Gettysburg Flag Works.

If you have questions about World War II flags or our highest-quality American flag, contact us or give us a call! Our experts would be happy to help you.

image credits: National Parks Service