Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day 2026: Honoring a Veteran's Grave on December 7

On December 7, 1941, the attack on Pearl Harbor drew the United States into World War II. Monday, December 7, 2026 marks 85 years. For families of the men and women who served in that war, it is a day to remember them by name.

What National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day is

Congress designated December 7 as National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day in August 1994. Federal law now names December 7 each year and asks the President to proclaim it and call for the flag to fly at half-staff in honor of those who died. At Pearl Harbor itself, remembrance events at the Pearl Harbor National Memorial build to a ceremony on December 7.

It is not a federal holiday, and cemeteries are usually open as normal. Many families quietly visit a World War II veteran's grave that week.

Ways to honor a veteran's grave

• Visit and say their name. Read the headstone. Many government headstones list the war and branch.
• Leave a coin. Our guide to coins on a veteran's grave explains the tradition.
• Place a small flag, where the cemetery allows it. Some only allow flags around certain holidays. See flag etiquette at a grave.
• Bring flowers. Red, white and blue is the classic choice. In December, many cemeteries also open their wreath season; Dallas-Fort Worth National Cemetery, for example, allows wreaths from December 1, so check your cemetery's dates.
• Write down their story. Ask older relatives what they remember, and add it to a memorial page so it is not lost.

If the grave is far away

Many World War II veterans rest in national cemeteries, in family plots far from where their grandchildren live now. You can search for a veteran's grave with the VA's locator (see how to find a veteran's grave) and have flowers placed there.

Plan ahead

December is a busy month at cemeteries, with Wreaths Across America on Saturday, December 19, and Christmas decorations. If you want flowers at the grave for December 7, order at least 15 business days ahead.