By Campbell Darney
Professional Writing for New Media Student
Grand Canyon University
When I attended the Honoring America’s Veterans Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day ceremony, it was a humbling experience and an important opportunity to honor the heroes of World War II. This event, held annually on or as close to December 7th at the Wesley Bolin Memorial Plaza in Phoenix, is designed to be a respectful, emotional, and historically resonant commemoration.
Here is what you can expect when you join us to remember December 7, 1941:
- The ceremony is carefully orchestrated for remembrance. It begins precisely at 10:55 a.m. MST to coincide with the moment the first bombs fell on Pearl Harbor. Guests will witness the Presentation of Colors and the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by inspiring patriotic music from a live performance.
- A central, poignant moment is the Wreath Presentations, where local leaders and veterans’ organizations pay their respects, symbolizing the enduring memory of the fallen.
- You will also hear moving reflections from the keynote speaker, a U.S. Navy Veteran, Wanda Sartain and honored guests.
- A miniature replica of the battleship USS Arizona, that was used in the film Tora! Tora! Tora! that has been preserved to remember our history.
- Another unforgettable moment was the flyover by World War II-era biplanes, which provides a thrilling and respectful salute to the Greatest Generation.
The setting at Wesley Bolin Memorial Plaza offers a unique, tangible connection to the day of notoriety. Guests will be standing near the presence of salvaged remnants of the USS Arizona, including the ship’s Signal Mast and a massive anchor. These powerful artifacts serve as silent, rusted witnesses to the tragedy and heroism of 1941. We encourage guests to take a quiet moment to stroll to those artifacts outside the stadium to reflect on these pieces of history and the 1,177 sailors who remain entombed aboard the ship.
The event is free and open to the public. We advise guests to arrive early to secure seating and to dress appropriately for an outdoor ceremony. Above all, expect to feel a powerful sense of community, patriotism and gratitude for the sacrifices made to secure the freedoms we hold dear.