Hawaii: Events will mark the 72nd anniversary of Pearl Harbor attack

Visitors to Oahu can attend panel discussions, a play and ceremonies marking the 72nd anniversary of the Dec. 7 attack on Pearl Harbor, which launched America into World War II.

News reports of that historic Sunday morning are the basis for “Remember Pearl Harbor: The Media’s Coverage of the Attack,” a free seminar at 6 p.m. Dec. 5 in the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center’s theater. Attendees will hear some of the first radio broadcasts from that fateful day, and historians and journalists will participate in a panel discussion. Seating is limited; call (808) 422-3316 for reservations.

The Honolulu Theatre for Youth will present “Nothing Is the Same,” a play about four 11-year-olds whose lives are turned upside down by the attack. It will be staged Nov. 29 and 30 and Dec. 7 and 14. Tickets, available online, cost $20 for adults, $15 for seniors 60 and older and $10 for children.

Several special events will take place on Oahu on Dec. 7. At 7:45 a.m. the attack will be remembered at the site of the sinking of the USS Arizona. The guest speaker will be Max Cleland, a decorated Vietnam War vet and former secretary of the Veterans Administration. Admission is free but guests should arrive at the World War II Valor in the Pacific National Monument no later than 7 a.m.

The attack killed more than 2,000 and injured more than 1,200. Survivors of the attack, along with military and government officials and marching bands, will participate in a Pearl Harbor Memorial Day parade on Dec. 7 that begins at 5 p.m., proceeding from Fort DeRussy to Kapiolani Park.

A list of all activities is available online.