The Pearl Harbor Survivors Association, Fort Snelling National Cemetery 
Memorial Rifle Squad and Minnesota Department of Veteran Affairs are hosting a special 75th Anniversary of Pearl Harbor Ceremony at the Minnesota History Center on Dec. 7. This event is to acknowledge “December 7, 1941, a date which will live in infamy,” and honor those who gave their lives that day, but also remember those who live on to tell the story of that inauspicious day. Survivor of Pearl Harbor, Richard Thill, will be an honorary guest for the event.
The event starts at 10:00 a.m. at the 3M Auditorium, Minnesota History Center, 345 W Kellogg Blvd, St Paul, MN 55102. Free parking will be available in the History Center lot, and there is no cost to attend the ceremony.
Confirmed Speakers and Program Participants:
- Richard Thill, Pearl Harbor Survivor
- Remarks and Proclamation, Governor Dayton
- Remarks by Brigadier General (Ret.) Joseph Kelly
- Ft. Snelling Nat’l Cemetery Memorial Rifle Squad
- National Anthem, Chief Albright
- 34th Red Bull Band – Brass Quartet
Other events at Minnesota History Center for the 75th Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day Ceremony
Tolling of the Boats: Pearl Harbor Edition – 1 p.m.
3M Auditorium, Minnesota History Center
Marc Wortman – Leading up to Pearl Harbor – 3:30 p.m.
Minnesota History Center
Dave Kenney, author of Minnesota Goes to War – 7 p.m.
Minnesota History Center
The event will be streamed online at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ghQQlSD5nnI
December 7, 2016 – Flags at Half-Staff in Honor of Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day
The year 2016 marks the 75th anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor. All flags should be lowered to half-staff from sunrise to sunset.
Presidential Proclamation
NATIONAL PEARL HARBOR REMEMBRANCE DAY, 2016
BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
A PROCLAMATION
Seventy-five years ago, Japanese fighter planes attacked the United States Naval Base at Pearl Harbor, destroying much of our Pacific Fleet and killing more than 2,400 Americans. The following day, President Franklin D. Roosevelt called on the Congress to declare war and “make it very certain that this form of treachery shall never again endanger us.” In that spirit, Americans came together to pay tribute to the victims, support the survivors, and shed the comforts of civilian life to serve in our military and fight for our Union. Each year on National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day, we honor those whose lives were forever changed that December morning and resolve to uphold the legacy of all who stepped forward in our time of need.
From the docks of Pearl Harbor to the beaches of Normandy and far around the world, brave patriots served their country and defended the values that have sustained our Nation since its founding. They went to war for liberty and sacrificed more than most of us will ever know; they chased victory and defeated fascism, turning adversaries into allies and writing a new chapter in our history. Through their service and unparalleled devotion, they inspired a generation with their refusal to give in despite overwhelming odds. And as we reflect on the profound debt of gratitude we owe them for the freedoms we cherish, we are reminded of the everlasting responsibilities we have to one another and to our country.
In memory of all who lost their lives on December 7, 1941 — and those who responded by leaving their homes for the battlefields — we must ensure the sacrifices they made in the name of liberty and democracy were not made in vain. On this solemn anniversary, there can be no higher tribute to these American patriots than forging a united commitment to honor our troops and veterans, give them the support and care they deserve, and carry on their work of keeping our country strong and free.
The Congress, by Public Law 103-308, as amended, has designated December 7 of each year as “National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day.”
NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim December 7, 2016, as National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day. I encourage all Americans to observe this solemn day of remembrance and to honor our military, past and present, with appropriate ceremonies and activities. I urge all Federal agencies and interested organizations, groups, and individuals to fly the flag of the United States at half-staff this December 7 in honor of those American patriots who died as a result of their service at Pearl Harbor.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this sixth day of December, in the year of our Lord two thousand sixteen, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and forty-first.
BARACK OBAMA
Minnesota Governor’s Proclamation
WHEREAS: On December 7, 1941, without warning or provocation, the United States Naval Base at Pearl Harbor in the Hawaiian Islands was attacked, along with other United States military installations in the Pacific Theater by the Naval Forces of the Japanese Empire; and
WHEREAS: December 7, 2016, marks the 75th Anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor; and
WHEREAS: More than 2,400 Americans, military personnel, and civilians, were killed in these attacks; and
WHEREAS: More than 1,100 suffered injuries, and the bulk of the United States fleet stationed at Pearl Harbor was severely damaged or destroyed; and
WHEREAS: On that fateful December day, eighty-four Naval Reservists from the State of Minnesota were serving on active duty at Pearl Harbor when the first shot was fired in defense of the United States, sinking a Japanese submarine attempting to infiltrate the harbor defenses prior to the attack; and
WHEREAS: A total of 16,535,000 men and women served in the United States Armed Forces – including 326,000 Minnesotans – during the four, long years of World War II; and
WHEREAS: It is fitting and proper to remember the sacrifices of all who served in defense of the United States during World War II, especially those who paid the ultimate price and lost their lives in defense of the liberties that all Americans enjoy.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, MARK DAYTON, Governor of Minnesota, do hereby proclaim Wednesday, December 7, 2016, as: PEARL HARBOR REMEMBRANCE DAY in the State of Minnesota, and hereby order all U.S. flags and Minnesota flags be flown at half-staff at all state and federal buildings in the State of Minnesota, from sunrise until sunset on Wednesday, December 7, 2016, in honor and remembrance of those who died during the surprise attack on Pearl Harbor and those who sacrificed their lives for our liberty and freedom during World War II.