The Navy Memorial in Washington, D.C. will host its annual Pearl Harbor Remembrance ceremony on December 7, 2025, honoring the lives lost during the 1941 attack and recognizing the generations of sailors who have carried the Navy’s legacy forward. This year’s ceremony is set for 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM ET at the Navy Memorial plaza, with a virtual viewing option available for those who cannot attend in person.
As a Navy veteran who served aboard the USS Forrestal, Ivan Buxton Gay Jr. follows this ceremony closely each year. For him, and for many veterans across the country, December 7 is not just a date in history books — it’s a moment that shaped the identity and trajectory of the entire Navy.
Event Details & What Attendees Can Expect
The ceremony will feature a formal wreath-laying to honor the 2,304 Americans who died in the attack on Pearl Harbor. The program typically includes remarks from Navy leaders, a presentation of colors, and a moment of silence observed across the plaza.
Visitors can expect an atmosphere of reflection and respect. Even for veterans who served years later, like Ivan Buxton Gay Jr., the event underscores the importance of remembering those who came before. Pearl Harbor represents a defining moment in American military service — one that continues to carry meaning for sailors past and present.
Why Pearl Harbor Remembrance Still Resonates
The annual ceremony isn’t only about acknowledging a historic tragedy. It’s also about recognizing how service members of every generation are shaped by the same values — commitment, courage, and resilience. These themes reflect the experience of veterans like Ivan Buxton Gay Jr., who carry their own stories of service while honoring the legacy of those who never returned.
Whether attending in person or joining virtually, the ceremony offers a moment to pause, reflect, and connect with the broader Navy community.