December 7, 1941

"A date which shall live in infamy."
~ FDR

On this day 67 years ago, Pearl Harbor was attacked. As the survivors of the "date that will live in infamy" fade away, we who follow that Greatest Generation should make sure that those survivors and those who were lost are never forgotten.

On the 67th anniversary of Pearl Harbor, a look back at history

Fewer veterans to tell story of Pearl Harbor

'Never Forget.' As Pearl Harbor's Witnesses Slip Away The National World War II Museum Vows to Preserve Their Memories:

"Never forget." Those two words serve as both a remembrance and a call to action as America commemorates the 67th anniversary of the 1941 Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor this Sunday, December 7th. [...]

Though World War II was the most pivotal event of modern times, the memory of the valor and sacrifice of America's Greatest Generation grows harder to summon as the men and women who fought its battles both around the globe and on the Home Front are passing away. Veterans are dying at the rate of 900 a day, and vanishing with them: the personal stories of epic battles and deeds of sacrifice and heroism that museums and historians must keep alive.

Recognizing the importance of saving these stories for posterity, The National World War II Museum is committed to preserving veterans' histories. Museum historians have recorded more than 2,500 personal accounts from every branch of service and theater -- including more than 500 video accounts recorded in high definition. [...]

The National World War II Museum tells the story of the American Experience in the war that changed the world -- why it was fought, how it was won, and what it means today. Dedicated in 2000 as The National D-Day Museum and now designated by Congress as America's National World War II Museum, it celebrates the American Spirit, the teamwork, optimism, courage and sacrifice of the men and women who fought on the battlefront and the Home Front.

SOURCE: The National World War II Museum

USS Arizona
Pearl Harbor Gaining New Luster:

"The date that will live in infamy" -- Dec. 7, 1941, the day of the surprise attack by the Japanese military on Pearl Harbor -- lives on in the minds of many travelers to Hawaii: The USS Arizona Memorial is the single most visited attraction in the islands at Pearl Harbor, while the nearby two-year-old Pacific Aviation Museum is continuing to add new exhibits and aircraft. The memorial is part of the newly created World War II Valor in Pacific National Monument, established by President Bush on Friday, while the museum is one of 19 other sites officially "recognized" for their historic import by Bush's proclamation.

The USS Arizona Memorial, already part of the national park system, has begun a $52 million renovation of its visitor center and museum, with an estimated completion date of Dec. 7, 2010. [...]

Most facilities will remain open during the upgrade and expansion, spearheaded by the Arizona Memorial Museum Association; to see what may be closed or relocated during the different phases of construction, click here. Donations can be made to the Pearl Harbor Memorial Fund.

USS Arizona memorial is a hallowed place:

As a Pacific breeze blows across the memorial, which straddles the battleship, the sunken ship is visible below the lapping, shallow waters. It is impossible to forget that it is the tomb of 1,177. You pray, ponder, reflect in a milieu of profound sadness.

Unfortunately, the museum and visitor center is deteriorating. It must be rebuilt so that future generations can fully remember and appreciate the history-altering day and aftermath.

The good news is that the $58 million campaign for a larger facility with a museum that would protect artifacts from the elements is progressing well. The contract to construct the visitor center and museum was awarded by the Navy on Sept. 22, 2008. Groundbreaking was Nov. 5.

The USS Arizona Memorial and USS Arizona Memorial Photos from the National Park Service.