NEW ORLEANS (press release) – Early on Dec. 7, 1941, citizens and servicemembers alike in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, faced terror as Japanese planes rained fire on the island in a stunning surprise attack. The assault quickly plunged the United States into a world-changing war.
Referred to as “a date which will live infamy” by President Franklin Roosevelt, the Pearl Harbor attacks on the US Pacific Fleet led to the United States’ Declaration of War on Japan and plunged the country into World War II. Killing more than 2,400 servicemembers, Japanese planes destroyed or damaged 19 US warships and 300 aircraft in less than 90 minutes. The event launched the battle cry “Remember Pearl Harbor,” setting the tone for American efforts in World War II.
Each year, The National WWII Museum commemorates those who lost their lives on that fateful December day. During this year’s commemorative ceremony, we are honored to welcome G.R. “Rocky” Gillette, a leading figure in the Museum’s partnership with the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA). The Acting Director of Partnerships and Innovation Grants and Cooperative Agreements Officer for the DPAA, Gillette will present “Accounting for Our Missing Heroes,” discussing the DPAA’s efforts to locate and identify military personnel who lost their lives in service to our country. The DPAA’s mission is to provide the fullest possible accounting for our missing personnel from past conflicts to their families and the nation.
The National WWII Museum’s Commemorative Ceremonies, presented by Bank of America, are free and open to the public and held in-person and livestreamed. Registration for the event is preferred, but not required.
WHEN: Thursday, Dec. 7
11:45 a.m. CT
WHERE: The National WWII Museum
US Freedom Pavilion: The Boeing Center
945 Magazine St, New Orleans, LA 70130
