As the anniversary of the December 7, 1941, attack on Pearl Harbor approached, the drums of history grew louder. At the Hawaiʻi State Archives, documents shared stories of the Pacific War Memorial Commission's efforts to honor those who lost their lives in World War II.

Amid blueprint drafts and letters, maps show five potential memorial sites designed to honor fallen military personnel. However, due to limited funding, only two of these sites were completed. It took a community effort to remember the heroes, and even Elvis Presley contributed $52,000 with a benefit concert at Pearl Harbor.

In a statement echoed by the Hawaiʻi State Archives, Keith Regan, director of the Department of Accounting and General Services explained, "It’s important we remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice. The documents from the 1940s through the 1960s are a testament to our community’s desire to honor the individuals who fought and died for our country."

Meanwhile, Adam Jansen, the State Archivist, shifts the focus from grand speeches to the individual level. "It was all about the individuals and making sure they were never forgotten, and that their sacrifice is understood today," Jansen told the Hawaiʻi State Archives. He mulls over the wisdom of philosopher George Santayana, who famously said, "Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it."

The seven boxes of commission papers are not just for historians but are available for the public to explore. Those interested in reviewing the planning documents and tributes from the past can access them for a meaningful experience. Visiting hours and archival details can be found on the Hawaii State Archives website.