At 8:51 AM on December 7th, 1941, The USS Nevada got underway to face a Japanese onslaught at Pearl Harbor. Later dubbed by President Roosevelt as “a day that will live in infamy,” the USS Nevada was the only American battleship to get underway during the assault. Still, she was beached during the attack after sustaining six bomb strikes and a direct hit from a torpedo.
At the Capitol Grounds in Carson City, at 10:51 AM local time –exactly 75 years later, to the minute— a ceremony honoring the sacrifice of the crew will commence. Conducted by the USS Nevada Memorial, Lieutenant Governor Mark Hutchison and Carson City Mayor Robert Crowell will acknowledge the contributions of the USS Nevada and her crew, raise the American flag, and solemnly read off the names of the 76 crewman who perished during Pearl Harbor. Afterward, At 1:00pm, the museum invites the public to gather in the South Gallery to view a very special exhibit of objects from the USS Nevada, BB-36 including several items from the ship, some of which show damage from the attack on the ship on December 7, 1941. At approximately 1:30pm, noted Nevada historian Judge Chuck Weller will give a program on the significance of Pearl Harbor to Nevadans.
Kat Miller, Director of the Nevada Department of Veterans Services, underscores the importance of remembering the events at Pearl Harbor. “With so many of our World War Two veterans in the twilight of their lives, it’s important that we honor their deeds and bravery while we can,” said Miller. “Moreover, it’s just as vital to inform younger generations of the sacrifices of generations before them.”
The event, which is open to the public and free to attend, will be held on December 7th, 2016, at 10:51 AM. The location is the USS Nevada Memorial at the Capitol Grounds, 101 N Carson St, Carson City, NV 89701. Please be sure to arrive at least 15 minutes early. If you are a Pearl Harbor survivor and are living in Nevada, we encourage you to attend. For more information on outreach efforts and available programs for veterans, visit http://www.veterans.nv.gov/, or call (702) 283-9827.