Remembering Pearl Harbor at the U.S. Navy Memorial (photos)

This past Saturday marked the 72nd anniversary of the surprise attack against U.S. Navy installations at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii by the armed forces of Imperial Japan. War was declared the next day. More than 2,400 Americans were killed and more than 1,200 wounded on Dec. 7, 1941.

On the anniversary of that “Day of Infamy,” ceremonies were held across the United States to honor those who perished. Here in Washington, a Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day was held at the U.S. Navy Memorial. Among the participants at the solemn ceremony were two Pearl Harbor survivors, Marine Major Albert Grasselli, who was stationed at Ewa Beach Marine Airfield; and Navy veteran STC (SS) Howard Snell who was stationed at the submarine base. Both men were also present at the Battle of Midway which later marked the turning point in the war in the Pacific. Ms. “Lou” Large, the National President of the Sons & Daughters of Pearl Harbor Survivors delivered the keynote address. Ms. Large and Rear Adm. Mark Rich, Commandant of Naval District Washington, laid a commemorative wreath at the Lone Sailor Stature. The famous Stanley Bleifeld 1987 bronze sculpture is a tribute to all personnel of the sea services.

The United States Navy Memorial is located at 701 Pennsylvania Ave., NW, in Washington D.C. near the Archives/Navy Memorial Metro stop. The Navy Memorial welcomes visitors between 9:30am-5pm everyday except Thanksgiving, Christmas & New Year’s.

View our photos of the ceremony at the Navy Memorial by clicking on the photo icons below.