On December 7, 1941, Japanese forces launched a surprise attack on the U.S. naval base at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. In just under two hours, more than 2,400 Americans were killed, and over 1,200 more were injured. Two ships, the USS Arizona and the USS Utah, were permanently sunk, and nearly 300 planes and 18 other ships were destroyed or heavily damaged. This event shocked the nation and marked a massive turning point in U.S. history.
The attack on Pearl Harbor was the military event that directly led to the United States' entry into World War II. The day after the attack, President Franklin D. Roosevelt delivered his famous "Day of Infamy" speech, and the U.S. declared war on Japan. This was the beginning of the U.S. involvement in the global conflict, shifting the course of the war.
Today, join us in honoring the legacy of Pearl Harbor Day by exploring perspectives past and present with our collection of Pearl Harbor Day quotes.
When Is Pearl Harbor Day?
Pearl Harbor Day is observed on December 7 each year.
Key Quotes About Pearl Harbor Day
"Yesterday, December 7, 1941– a date which will live in infamy– the United States of America was suddenly and deliberately attacked by naval and air forces of the Empire of Japan… No matter how long it may take us to overcome this premeditated invasion, the American people in their righteous might will win through to absolute victory… I assert that we will not only defend ourselves to the uttermost but will make it very certain that this form of treachery shall never again endanger us.” - President Roosevelt’s address
“Never a day goes by for all these many years when I haven't thought about it. I don't talk about it too much, but when December rolls around I do. It's important the American people don't forget." - Donald Stratton, USS Arizona survivor and co-author of All the Gallant Men: An American Sailor’s Firsthand Account of Pearl Harbor
“On National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day, we honor the memories of the 2,403 service members and civilians whose lives were cut short on that tragic December morning. We reflect on the resilience of America’s Armed Forces, who withstood the attack and built the most capable fighting force the world has ever known. In the wake of tragedy, these brave women and men– the Greatest Generation– answered the call to defend freedom, justice, and democracy across the Pacific, throughout Europe, and around the globe. Today, we carry forward their spirit of unity and their enduring resolve to protect the United States against those who seek to do us harm.” - 2022 White House resolution on Pearl Harbor Day
“You relive the moments. You're so grateful for our wonderful country in which we live. You regret the sacrifices but you also exhilarate from the victory that we made and how we're doing now.” - Survivor Jack Holder, on the 75th anniversary of Pearl Harbor
“They fought together as brothers-in-arms. They died together and now they sleep side by side. To them, we have a solemn obligation.” - Admiral Chester Nimitz, after accepting the Japanese surrender
“I have a boy at sea on a destroyer, for all I know he may be on his way to the Pacific… Many of you all over the country have boys in the services who will now be called upon to go into action. You have friends and families in what has suddenly become a danger zone. You cannot escape anxiety. You cannot escape a clutch of fear at your heart and yet I hope that the certainty of what we have to meet will make you rise above these fears… Whatever is asked of us I am sure we can accomplish it. We are the free and unconquerable people of the United States of America.” Eleanor Roosevelt making the first public speech by any official, hours after the attack.
Going Beyond Quotes About Pearl Harbor Day: Building a Connection
