Minnesota History Center Hosts Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day Ceremony

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) – Flags are flying at half-staff across Minnesota and the country Wednesday in remembrance of those who lost their lives in Pearl Harbor.

Dec. 7, 2016 marks 75 years since the attack.

At a memorial ceremony in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii there was a moment of silence observed. It was the exact moment Japanese plans began their assault.

More than 2,300 service members were killed when the Japanese attacked in 1941.

Across the country, including in Minnesota, there is a full day of events planned for Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day.

The day began at the Minnesota History Center with a program that included a moment of silence, a rifle salute and remarks by Gov. Mark Dayton

The ceremony reflected on the day that changed America's direction in World War II.

The day after the attack on Pearl Harbor, President Franklin Roosevelt declared war on Japan. Around 16 million Americans would go on to serve during the war. Just over 11,000 of those veterans still living are in Minnesota.

As part of Wednesday's ceremony, Dayton declared it Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day and thanked two veterans from Minnesota who were there on that infamous day.

More events will be held throughout the day. For a list of what is happening, visit the Minnesota History Center online.

All events are free.