Virginia War Memorial will host a solemn and reflective gathering to honor the lives lost during the surprise attack on Pearl Harbor. The 83rd Commonwealth’s Pearl Harbor Day Remembrance Ceremony will take place at 11 a.m. Friday, Dec. 6, at the Memorial’s Shrine of Memory - 20th Century, located at 621 South Belvidere St.

The ceremony will commemorate the lives of more than 2,400 Americans, including 41 Virginians, who perished on Dec. 7, 1941. The attack, which led the United States into World War II, is remembered for its shock and devastation.

Rear Admiral Michael T. Curran, who retired after more than 30 years of service in the U.S. Navy and Reserves, will deliver the keynote address. The event will also feature the tolling of the ship’s bell from the USS Virginia, along with the reading of each Virginian’s name lost that day.

“The name of each Virginian who perished on that fateful day will be read and remembered with the tolling of the ship’s bell from the guided missile cruiser USS Virginia (CGN-38),” said Vaughn F. Dize, president of the Navy League’s Richmond Council, who will serve as Master of Ceremonies. The bell is permanently displayed at the Virginia War Memorial.

“We are again pleased to continue the tradition of co-hosting the Navy League Richmond Council’s Commonwealth’s Pearl Harbor Day Remembrance Ceremony here at the Virginia War Memorial,” said Clay Mountcastle, director of the Virginia War Memorial. “We look forward to having our fellow citizens and especially veterans join us in honoring and remembering the thousands of Americans, including many Virginians, who died during the surprise attack in 1941.”

The ceremony is free and will take place outdoors. Free parking is available. The Memorial will be open for visitors from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., with the Pearl Harbor documentary and exhibits available for viewing. For more information, visit vawarmemorial.org.