Lights for Peace: Pearl Harbor National Memorial Remembers the Atomic Bombing of Japan 81 Years Later

Contact: David Kilton

Pearl Harbor National Memorial will partner with Manhattan Project National Historical Park Sites to remember the 81st anniversary of the atomic bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Lights for Peace is an after-hours event and luminary ceremony hosted on August 7, 2026. Visitors can join the event starting at 5 p.m. with the program ending at 7:50 p.m. Pearl Harbor National Memorial is located at 1 Arizona Memorial Place, Honolulu, HI 96818.

Visitors can participate in the days leading to the event by writing messages of inspiration and peace on the luminary bags during their visit to the park between August 3 and 7. The illuminated bags will be placed along the shoreline of Pearl Harbor by those in attendance during the event. National Park Service staff will be present to share stories of the peace and reconciliation that grew out of the harrowing reality of World War II.

This annual event will include:
5:30 p.m. Sadako Program and Crane Folding
6:15 p.m. Main Program
- Opening Remarks by Spiritual Leader
- Reflection on Hiroshima Peace Park partnership - Ranger Holly Dobbs and Education Program alumni student
- Musical Performance
- Ranger Program - Ranger Emily Welch
7:00 p.m. Lighting of the Luminaria and Reflection at the Shoreline of Pearl Harbor National Memorial
7:50 p.m. Program Concludes

For additional questions about this program, please email [email protected].

Pearl Harbor National Memorial does not charge an admission fee, however there is a $7 per day parking fee. Pearl Harbor National Memorial shoreside displays will also be open for the public.