National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day takes place on December 7 of each year, on the anniversary of the horrific attack that launched the United States into World War II. Over 2,400 military personnel and civilians lost their lives that day. Many surviving veterans faced service-related health issues later on in life, including mesothelioma and other illnesses. Learn how you can honor those who served this year.
Remembering Pearl Harbor
December 7, 2025, marks the 84th anniversary of the 1941 attack on Pearl Harbor, which claimed the lives of 2,335 military service members and 68 civilians. National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day was established in 1994 to preserve the memory of those who passed away for future generations.
Each year, many celebrations are held to commemorate the attack and honor those who served. This includes an annual ceremony at the Pearl Harbor National Memorial that surviving World War II veterans and their families often attend.
Whether you are a veteran or a civilian, it’s important to remember Pearl Harbor, and there are plenty of ways to honor the memory of those who served this year.
Pearl Harbor & U.S. Veterans With Mesothelioma
While thousands were killed in the attack on Pearl Harbor, many also passed away from long-term injuries and illnesses stemming from military service. Notably, veterans who served during World War II may have been exposed to asbestos, a material that causes a cancer called mesothelioma.
The military heavily relied on asbestos to build planes, vehicles, bases, and ships through World War II and into the early 1980s. The U.S. Navy used more asbestos than any other branch, so veterans who served on naval ships and bases like Pearl Harbor were at high risk of exposure.
Service members who worked with or around asbestos products could have breathed in stray fibers, putting them at risk of mesothelioma 10-50 years later. Today, thousands of veterans live with mesothelioma due to military asbestos exposure.
Get a Free Veterans Packet to see how we can help you or a veteran you love after a mesothelioma diagnosis.
Pearl Harbor Veteran Gets Justice for Mesothelioma
One service member, Frank Curre, was just 18 years old when Pearl Harbor changed his life forever. He was serving aboard the USS Tennessee, which was stationed at Pearl Harbor, meaning he witnessed the destruction firsthand.
While rescuing survivors, Frank breathed in asbestos-contaminated dust released from the USS Arizona, a Navy ship destroyed in the attack. This contributed to his mesothelioma diagnosis later in life.
“What happened on that day is tattooed on your soul. There's no way I can forget that. I wish to God I could.”
– Frank Curre, U.S. Navy veteran with mesothelioma
Frank died of mesothelioma on December 7, 2011, the 70th anniversary of Pearl Harbor. But before Frank passed, he worked with the Mesothelioma Veterans Center to recover compensation for medical bills and protect his family.
How to Observe National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day
National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day is the perfect time to learn more about this fateful day and remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice. Discover some ways you can get involved below.
Visit Pearl Harbor
The National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Ceremony will be held at the Pearl Harbor National Memorial at 7:30 a.m. HST. The ceremony’s theme this year is “Building Pathways to Peace.”
Many World War II veterans are expected to attend the events, including several who were at Pearl Harbor during the attack. All members of the public are welcome to join the ceremony as well.
Other ceremonies for the USS Arizona, USS Oklahoma, and USS Utah, all of which were attacked, will take place throughout the week. Visit the Pearl Harbor Events website to learn how you can celebrate.
Study the History of Pearl Harbor
As time moves forward, surviving veterans and historians worry that the impact of Pearl Harbor could be lost on future generations. We must always remember the bravery and acts of heroism that were on display that fateful day.
Do your part to remember Pearl Harbor by:
- Encouraging others to brush up on the events
- Reading a book or watching a documentary on the attack
- Talking to a veteran, their family, or others who remember the attack
One Pearl Harbor veteran lamented that people were forgetting about this defining moment in U.S. history in an interview with the Orange County Register.
“So many people have never heard of Pearl Harbor. They should teach about it more in the schools. You’d be surprised how many young people don’t know about Pearl Harbor.”
– John Ballard, Pearl Harbor veteran
Supporting U.S. Veterans
Organizations and museums across the country are dedicated to supporting U.S. veterans and keeping the memory of Pearl Harbor alive. Of the 16 million Americans who served in World War II, only around 45,000 are still alive today.
Notable veterans groups include:
- Pearl Harbor memorial website
- The Sons and Daughters of Pearl Harbor Survivors
- World War II Veterans Committee
The Mesothelioma Veterans Center also stands for proud veterans affected by asbestos-related diseases linked to their military service. Get a Free Veterans Packet to learn more about how we can assist you or a loved one.
Never Forget Pearl Harbor and Those Who Served
For over 80 years, Pearl Harbor has remained a pivotal point of a generation and part of the fabric of our history. The heroism shown that day will never be forgotten.
National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day reminds us to honor those who lost their lives in the attacks, veterans who passed from mesothelioma or other service-related illnesses, and those who are still with us.
This year, do your part and celebrate National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day. Whether you visit Pearl Harbor or simply thank a veteran, anything you do to honor the sacrifices made will be well worth your time.
The Mesothelioma Veterans Center is committed to helping veterans with mesothelioma get the help they need to fight this disease. Get a Free Veterans Packet now or call (877) 450-8973 to find out how we can assist you.
