Building Pathways to Peace, the theme of the 84th Anniversary commemoration of the attack on Pearl Harbor, highlights the importance of remembering the moment in the past when the prospects for peace were shattered and our nation was plunged into global war, while looking forward with gratitude, optimism and determination to recognize and embrace the opportunities to establish and cultivate a brighter future.

2025 represents a milestone year for our nation and all of humanity. In September, Americans and the peace-loving nations of the world paused to remember and reflect on the 80 years that have passed since the end of World War II. The sacrifice of those who perished in that calamitous conflict, that began for the United States here at Pearl Harbor, will never be forgotten. And the memory of the hardship faced in that costly war, and the long years of struggle to regain a footing of peace brings the focus of this annual commemorative date to an even greater clarity.

For decades the iconic presence of the USS Arizona Memorial and the battleship Missouri have combined to serve as bookends of that war and a powerful reminder of the need to reflect on the past and honor our sacred dead. In harmony with that legacy the Tree of Life, in the Shrine Room, with its clarion call to embrace the hope of lasting peace reminds all who visit to heed the words of General MacArthur when he said, “We must go forward to preserve in peace what we won in war.”

Like the millions who have visited these memorials over many years, this 84th anniversary commemoration brings together a vast community of individuals and organizations who share common values, an obligation to honor the past, with thoughtful reflection on the legacy of the Greatest Generation and a dedication to pursue and build on the promise of a lasting peace.Within that framework a collective understanding prevails that we honor those who fought and died to win the peace by embracing the values they defined of vigilant service with mutual respect, understanding and cooperation and the tireless commitment to build upon those pathways to peace.