Only 12 Pearl Harbor survivors remain. On the 84th anniversary, none can attend this year’s remembrance

Monday, December 8, 2025 -As the nation marks the 84th anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor, only 12 survivors of the December 7, 1941, assault remain. 

This year, none of them will be able to attend the annual remembrance ceremony, highlighting the passing of a generation that directly witnessed one of America’s defining moments in history.

Organizers note that health challenges and advanced age prevent the survivors from participating, but ceremonies will continue with military personnel, veterans, and families to honor their legacy. 

Officials emphasize the importance of preserving their stories through recordings, interviews, and educational programs to ensure future generations understand the sacrifice and resilience demonstrated during World War II.

The absence of survivors at this year’s event serves as a stark reminder of time’s passage and the urgency to keep their firsthand accounts alive. 

Memorial services across the country will pay tribute through speeches, wreath-laying, and moments of reflection, ensuring that the heroism of December 7 remains a central part of national memory.