The Georgia WWII Heritage Trail will join the nation on Sunday, December 7, 2025, in honoring the 2,403 Americans killed during the surprise attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941. Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day marks the moment that catapulted the United States into World War II and reshaped the lives of millions, including Georgia’s families and communities whose stories are preserved across the Trail’s museums and historic sites.
Historical research from the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA), the Georgia Gold Star Veterans Gallery, and archival reporting across Georgia confirms that at least 19 Georgians were killed in the Pearl Harbor attack. Because official military casualty lists did not record home state, this number represents the best-documented set of service members whose birthplace, home of record, or enlistment ties them clearly to Georgia. These nineteen sailors and soldiers —lost aboard the USS Arizona, USS Oklahoma, USS California, and during the attacks on Hickam Field and other installations—form Georgia’s known roll of honor from December 7, 1941.
In 1994, Congress formally designated December 7 as National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day through Public Law 103-308, ensuring that the nation would pause each year to remember the events that propelled the United States into World War II. This commemoration continues to hold deep meaning for communities across Georgia and the nation.
This year, The National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force will host its annual Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day Ceremony on December 7 at 2:00 PM, featuring remarks, readings, music, a Two-Bell Ceremony, and a solemn wreath presentation.
At this time, the Mighty Eighth event is the only formal Pearl Harbor Day ceremony announced by a Trail partner for 2025.
In addition to on-site programming at the Mighty Eighth, Georgia WWII Heritage Trail partners will also commemorate Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day on their social-media channels, sharing historical content, archival images, veteran stories, and reflections on Georgia’s role in the World War II home front and military effort. These digital tributes allow the Trail to honor the memory of December 7, 1941 statewide and reach audiences who may not be able to attend in-person events.
“Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day is a moment to reflect on the men and women who answered the call in 1941 and to appreciate the generations of Georgians whose service and sacrifice supported the fight for freedom,” said Ed Coleman, Georgia WWII Heritage Trail Chair. “Our partner museums preserve these stories every day so future generations will understand the cost of liberty.”