American Airlines, the world’s largest airline, is sponsoring a historic 75th Pearl Harbor Commemoration Flight. This exclusive roundtrip airbus charter from Los Angeles, California to Honolulu, Hawai‘i will depart at 9 a.m. on Saturday, December 3, 2016, and land at 12:30 p.m. local Hawai‘i time. The flight will host approximately 120 Pearl Harbor survivors, World War II veterans and their companions on their way to attend the 75th Pearl Harbor Commemoration on the island of O‘ahu.
“Pearl Harbor survivors and World War II veterans are among our nation’s bravest heroes and we are proud to provide a special honor flight to the 75th Pearl Harbor Commemoration,” said David Seymour, Senior Vice President, Integrated Operations at American and graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point. “Our long-standing commitment to veterans and their families is steadfast and is demonstrated by the thousands of hours of volunteer time our employees donate every year to causes like these that are so close to our hearts. We are truly honored to participate in this incredible event where our nation’s heroes will be celebrated for their courage and commitment to our country.”
In addition to the Pearl Harbor survivors, veterans and companions, actor and humanitarian Gary Sinise will be traveling to Honolulu on the 75th Pearl Harbor Commemoration Flight. Gary Sinise and the Lt. Dan Band will be performing live on Dec. 5th for a free ‘Honor. Gratitude. Rock & Roll’ concert prior to that evening’s ‘Movie on the Beach’. For over 30 years, Gary Sinise has been an advocate of America’s service members. The Lt. Dan Band is just one of the many Gary Sinise Foundation programs in place to honor our heroes. The Foundation is proudly sponsoring the Dec. 5th performance.
“We are thrilled knowing our heroes of the ‘Greatest Generation’ will be here so that we may honor them and pay tribute to those who lost their lives,” said Adm. Thomas B. Fargo (Ret.), chair of the 75th Commemoration of the Attack on Pearl Harbor Committee. “And, we are grateful to American Airlines for their generous support to help create this memorable event. Because of American Airlines, the last of the Pearl Harbor survivors and WWII veterans who experienced the emotional awakening on Dec. 7, 1941, have an opportunity to be together at the sacred place where WWII began.” In addition to the charter flight, the Committee will be hosting most hotel accommodations, ground transportation needs while in Honolulu for the Commemoration and access for the Pearl Harbor survivors and WWII veterans to the events of their choice.
Centered around December 7th, National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day, the 75th Commemoration will focus the world’s attention on Hawai‘i and provide a unique opportunity for visitors to experience events and memorials dedicated to USS Utah, USS Oklahoma, and the USS Arizona. A reception to honor Japanese American Veterans; Remember Pearl Harbor documentary premiere; “December 7th Remembered” gala tribute; Pearl Harbor Memorial Parade; keynote speakers; live musical performances; five nights of Movies on Waikīkī Beach and a world-class live concert are also planned.
The 75th Pearl Harbor Commemoration welcomes Hawai‘i residents, visitors from across the country and around the world. Whether you’re visiting Hawai‘i during December or anytime throughout this anniversary year, learn more about the attack on Pearl Harbor and O‘ahu, shop online for official memorabilia, and support our historic parks in any way you can.
For more information about the 75th Commemoration, its full schedule and other details, visit www.pearlharbor75thanniversary.com, email info@nullpearlharbor75thanniversary.com or call the toll free hotline at (877) 589-8898 or (808) 589-5592. You can also follow the festivities on social media, #pearlharbor75 and on Facebook.
