If you’ve noticed flags flying at half-mast today, you may have wondered why. Well if you glance at a calendar you will see that today is the Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day and the flags are flying at half-mast to honor those who died in the attack.

On Sunday morning, December 7, 1941, the American Army and Navy base in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii was attacked by the Imperial Japanese Navy. The attack came as a surprise to the American Army and Navy and lead to great losses of life and equipment. More than 2000 American citizens were killed and more than 1000 were injured. Following the attack, the United States declared a war on Japan.

Veterans and other related organizations throughout the nation will hold ceremonies today commemorating the date with the biggest ceremony taking place in Hawaii. The United States National Parks Service and the United States Navy will host joint memorial ceremony commemorating the 68th anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor on Monday, December 7, 2009 on the Naval Station Pearl Harbor’s Kilo Pier, from 7:40 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. The ceremony will include music by the Pacific Fleet Band, morning colors, a Hawaiian blessing, a rifle salute by members of the U.S. Marine Corps, wreath presentations, echo taps and recognition of the men and women who survived that December 7, 1941, and those who made the ultimate sacrifice for their country.

At 7:55 a.m. - the exact moment the Japanese attack began 68 years ago - a moment of silence will be observed. The USS LAKE ERIE (CG 70) will render honors to the USS Arizona. Military aircraft will fly over the memorial in a "missing man" formation. The event is free of charge and the general public is invited to attend. The general public will be transported to the event on U.S. Navy shuttle boats on a first come first served basis, between 6:20 a.m. and 7:00 a.m. the visitors center will open at 5:30 a.m.