SUNDAY December 7, 2025
Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day
A time of war, and a time of peace.
Ecclesiastes 3:8
On August 23, 1994, the United States Congress designated December 7 as National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day. This year marks the 84th anniversary of the surprise attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, and the consequent entry of the United States into World War II. The theme for this year’s National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day Commemoration is “Building Pathways to Peace.” It embraces the idea of a brighter future with gratitude and optimism. This theme also connects us with the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II.
Today we remember the 2,403 service members and civilians who were killed during the unprovoked Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. It is estimated that another 1,178 people were injured in the wave of attacks from 200 armed Japanese aircraft that also sank two U.S. Navy battleships––the USS Arizona and the USS Utah. The Japanese also obliterated 188 American aircraft.
However, Hawaii wasn’t the only U.S. territory that Japan aimed for. The bombing of Pearl Harbor was part of a larger coordinated attack on other Asian-Pacific territories of the U.S. and British empires. Japan attacked the U.S. territories of Guam and the Philippines, as well as the British territories of Hong Kong, Singapore, Malaya (part of present-day Malaysia), and the independent nation of Thailand.
Australia did not escape the bloodshed of war. Japan attacked them on February 19, 1942. At least 235 Australians died that day. It was recorded as one of the deadliest attacks on Australian soil during World War II. After the war, grieving people counted their losses and began the long process of rebuilding their lives with the hope of a brighter future.
Today, in the hearts of hurting people, there is a need for a renewed faith in Christ, because it is only through Him that they will find hope for a brighter future.
The future is as bright as the promises of God.
~Adoniram Judson~
For more from Raul Ries, please visit SomebodyLovesYou.com!
