NATIONAL PEARL HARBOR MEMORIAL PARADE AND PUBLIC CEREMONY
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PRESENTING SPONSOR HISTORY® / A+E NETWORKS
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News
Tom Berg (right) with Parade Chairman Joel Biggs
FOX News - Dec 2022
Report - Learn the Lessons of the Past - Veterans return to Pearl Harbor and participate in the National Pearl Harbor Memorial Parade.
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December 7, 2022
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Hawaii News Now Coverage of the Opening Ceremony and the Pearl Harbor Memorial Parade
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April 30, 2020
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Sadly, today we lost a dear friend the to Pearl Harbor Memorial Parade Family, Thomas Berg (1922-2020). Tom was a survivor of the Pearl Harbor attack in 1941, and served aboard the USS Tennessee. Tom was an honorary Grand Marshal in every parade since its beginning at the 70th Anniversary of Pearl Harbor. He will be greatly missed.
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Click here for more information about Tom Berg and his Pearl Harbor story.
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Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
National Pearl Harbor Memorial Parade & Public Ceremony Returns to Waikiki on December 7, 2025
Largest Annual Event Commemorating the Attack on Pearl Harbor Marks Its 15th Year HONOLULU, HI — The National Pearl Harbor Memorial Parade and Public Ceremony will take place in Waikiki on Sunday, December 7, 2025, commemorating the 84th anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor and honoring all who served in World War II. Now in its 15th year, the parade remains the largest annual event in the nation dedicated to remembering Pearl Harbor and the sacrifices of the Greatest Generation.This year’s theme — “Remembering the past by honoring those who serve, while celebrating that once bitter enemies are now friends and allies” — highlights the importance of remembrance, unity, and the enduring bonds between nations.
A National Tribute Featuring Participants from All 50 States. More than 4,000 participants representing every U.S. state will march through the heart of Waikiki in a powerful display of patriotism and community. Parade entries will include:Marching Bands & Choirs, Classic Car Clubs, Beauty Queens, Scout Troops, Military Platoons, Commemorative Balloons & Floats, Civic and Community Organizations, World War II Veterans, honored as this year’s Co-Grand Marshals.
These heroes of WWII—whose courage and devotion shaped world history—will be recognized throughout the ceremony and parade.Ceremonies & Performances. The evening will begin with a solemn and inspiring Opening Ceremony at Kuroda Field at 4:00 PM, featuring a massed band and choir performance, comprised of musicians from across the country, led by the Marine Forces Pacific Band At 6:00 PM, the National Pearl Harbor Memorial Parade will step off along Kalakaua Avenue, where spectators can enjoy an array of performances, historical tributes, and colorful displays. Performing artist McKenna Faith will appear as a special guest performer, delivering a musical tribute at the opening ceremony and from the Review Area along Kalakaua Avenue.
Produced by Historic Programs. The event is produced by Historic Programs, a national not-for-profit organization dedicated to creating meaningful commemorations and celebrations of the world’s most significant historic events. Their work includes major observances such as:Pearl Harbor commemorations D-Day ceremonies in Normandy, FranceThe National Veterans Day CeremonyRemember 9/11 in New York City Historic Programs is also an official partner of the America 250 celebration, contributing to national efforts marking the United States’ upcoming semiquincentennial.
About the National Pearl Harbor Memorial Parade First held in 2011, the National Pearl Harbor Memorial Parade has grown into a flagship remembrance event and “Living Memorial” bringing together veterans, active-duty service members, families, performers, and visitors from around the world. Its mission is to honor those who perished, those who served, and the enduring peace that emerged from the tragedy of December 7, 1941.
Media Contact: Joel BiggsPresident / Chairman
480-861-2469
Historic.org ®
February 15, 2018
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We are saddened to share the news that Lt James “Jim” Downing, the world’s 2nd oldest Pearl Harbor survivor, passed away peacefully at his home in Colorado Springs this afternoon. He was 104 years old.
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Jim entered the Navy at the age of 19 and served on the USS West Virginia during the attack on Pearl Harbor. While under enemy attack he memorized the names of the fallen and wrote home to their parents letting them know their sons died as heroes. After the attack he took down the last words of wounded sailors and sent them home to their parents.
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Jim’s Naval career culminated with him becoming the commanding officer of the USS Patapsco from 1952 until 1955. Jim served in the navy for 24 years before retiring to Colorado Springs, CO.
Lt. James Downing speaking at the
75th Anniversary of Pearl Harbor
In 2016 Jim wrote about his Pearl Harbor experience in “The Other Side of Infamy.” The publication entered Jim into the Guinness Book of World Records as the World’s Oldest Male Author.
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Although Jim was a hero to many, he always said those that didn’t make it home were the true heroes.
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Jim is survived by six children, nine grandchildren, and 10 great-grandchildren, including his daughter Marobeth Ruegg; his son Jon Downing and his wife, Cheryl; son Joe Downing; son Don Downing and his wife, Debra; son David Downing and his wife, Crystal; and daughter Joy Riley and her husband, Mark. His son James died of a heart attack in 2013. Morena, his wife of 68 years, died in 2010.
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In Jim’s own words “Remember Pearl Harbor. Keep America Strong!"
Please contact the Committee chair for Press items:
Joel Biggs
(800) 626-8590
(480) 654-2553 - Fax
info@pearlharborparade.org
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Nov 21, 2025 North Marion High School Band prepares for the National Pearl Harbor Memorial Parade.
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Oakridge HS heads to Hawaii to participate in the Pearl Harbor Memorial Parade
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Dec 7, 2021 Pearl Harbor Parade to pay tribute to WWII Veterans
Dec 15, 2021
Venice High School Cheerleaders Perform in Pearl Harbor Parade
Jan 27, 2021
May 3, 2021
https://www.walb.com/2021/05/04/fitzgerald-students-participate-pearl-harbor-memorial-parade/
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May 12, 2017
Pearl Harbor Survivor and Parade Participant Alfred Rodriguez Passes Away
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December 2016
Parade Chairman - Joel Biggs radio interview with Jack Scalia
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April 20, 2016
Hudson Marching Band to Participate in Pearl Harbor Memorial Parade.
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April 15, 2016
North Platte Canteen - a story of love and patriotism
July 20, 2015
Combined Burke County High School Bands from North Carolina promo video
December 7, 2014 Riverside HS Band to Perform in Parade
December 7, 2014 CBS Miami
December 7, 2014 NBC 12 Report
December 7, 2014 WDBJ7 news report about Patrick Henry HS Marching Band
December 7, 2014 Patriots Land for Parade Performance
Roanoke Times Report of Marching Band Performing in the Parade
December 7, 2011
See KITV Honolulu coverage of the Pearl Harbor Memorial Parade.
December 6, 2014 PACIFIC AVIATION MUSEUM to participate in Pearl Harbor Memorial Parade
December 5, 2014 APEX HS Choir to travel to Hawaii
December 2, 2014 Hawaii News Now
October 14, 2014 - Local Cadets selected to March in Pearl Harbor Memorial Parade
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November 21, 2011
See how Arsenal Tech is preparing for their trip to Hawaii to participate in the Pearl Harbor Memorial Paradeand how the Indianapolis Colts and their owner, Jim Irsay, have played an instrumental role in making this trip possible.
October 12, 2011
Gridley High School Band does the impossible; will travel to Pearl Harbor. See the Video from News 10 in California.
September 29, 2011
Read an article by Alexis Davies from the Chantilly Patch about the Chantilly High School Band's participation in the 2011 Pearl Harbor Memorial Parade.