Pearl Harbor Day ceremony planned in North Little Rock

On Thursday, Dec. 7, the Arkansas Secretary of State’s Office and the Arkansas Inland Maritime Museum will hold a Pearl Harbor Day ceremony at 11:30 a.m. followed by free submarine tours at the Arkansas Inland Maritime Museum (AIMM) at 120 Riverfront Park Drive in North Little Rock.

The ceremony will honor Pearl Harbor survivors from Arkansas; veterans William Chase and Walter Smith are expected to attend. 

This year’s keynote speaker will be Phillip H. McMath, a trial attorney, an award-winning writer, a Marine Corps Vietnam War veteran and an advocate for Arkansas literature and history. He has written several historical novels, full-length plays and short stories. He is a son of former Arkansas Gov. Sidney McMath who served in the U.S. Marine Corps during World War II.

Following the ceremony, the main deck of the tugboat Hoga will be open. Hoga is a National Historic Landmark recognized for her heroic efforts in Pearl Harbor during the Dec. 7, 1941, attack. Tours of the submarine USS Razorback will be available and free for all veterans, active/retired military and dependents. Refreshments will be provided.

For additional information, contact AIMM at 501.371.8320 or [email protected].