The annual Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day Program was held at the USS Constitution Museum in Charlestown Dec. 7 for a crowd of several dozen, commemorating the Imperial Japanese Navy’s surprise military attack on Pearl Harbor in Oahu, Hawai 83 years ago. In total, over 2,400 Americans lost their lives as a result of the attack and another 1,000 were injured. The attack is famous for drawing the U.S. into World War II, a conflict in which the country had been trying to remain neutral.

“It’s a date that changed everything,” Boston Commissioner of Veterans’ Services Robert Santiago said. “It urged every American to unite, to defend our freedom and democracy in every way possible.”

Program speakers included the National Parks of Boston Superintendent Michael Creasey, USS Constitution Museum President and CEO Anne Grimes Rand, Massachusetts Executive Office of Veteran Affairs Deputy Secretary Andrea Gayle-Bennett and Santiago. 

The speaking program was followed by an outdoor ceremony beside the USS Cassin Young. The ship was named in honor of U.S. Naval Commander Cassin Young, who was recognized for his bravery during the attack on Pearl Harbor. December marked the 80th anniversary of its commissioning.

The ceremony, held in honor of the men and women who lost their lives, provided lunch along with the service.

“The events at Pearl Harbor that day, 83 years ago, represent courage and sacrifice that profoundly tested our country in several ways,” Santiago said. “Although the attack on Pearl Harbor happened far from Boston, its effects were felt deeply, and our city responded with unwavering determination and selfless dedication.”

The event began at 1 p.m. with the Presentation of the Colors, followed by the national anthem sung by Donald Choi, associate pastor at Antioch Baptist Church in Cambridge.

After the speakers’ remarks, a wreath-laying ceremony took place from the USS Cassin Young. Creasey, Gayle-Bennett, Santiago and Grimes Rand boarded the ship as onlookers watched from the dock. The event speakers tossed a wreath of red, white and blue flowers from the deck of the USS Cassin Young into the harbor in a ceremonial showing of honor for those who perished Dec. 7, 1941. Afterward, the ship fired its cannon and a horn sounded.

“As the commanding officer of the USS Constitution, I am humbled by the enduring connection between past and present,” Gayle-Bennett said. “USS Constitution’s undefeated legacy in the seas … mirrors the indomitable spirit of those who fought at Pearl Harbor. Both serve as enduring reminders of the importance of naval power and safety regarding our freedom then and now.”

Many of the event attendees were local military veterans or members of the Antioch Baptist Church.

“Boston’s connection to Pearl Harbor is deeply rooted in our collective value of patriotism, community and sacrifice,” Santiago said. “This deep connection reminds us of our solemn duty to honor and cherish the memories of those who courageously served and made the ultimate sacrifice that day.”

Kimberley Shaw, an army veteran and member of Bugles Across America — a volunteer organization that provides bugling services at military funeral services and other events — said she has played the bugle at the Pearl Harbor commemoration about six times.  

“It feels powerful to perform,” Shaw said. “I mean, answering to the [USS] Constitution, it’s incredible … It’s always rifles, cannon, then horn.”

Lois Siegelman, a trustee of the museum, said she and her husband try to make it to the event every year.

Her husband, Raymond Siegelman, served as a physical therapist during the Vietnam War. The Siegelmans were one of several military families in attendance.

Eighty-nine-year-old Tom Worthen, who served as a Navy officer for three years, said he has come to every one of commemorations since he was 8 years old.

“I’d never seen my father look so shocked,” Worthen said, recalling when he first heard about the military attack on Pearl Harbor through the radio. “It’s a remembrance of the Pearl Harbor Day specifically, but then, it’s [also] a chance to get together.”

The attack on Pearl Harbor caused significant damage to the Pacific Fleet, but galvanized American public opinion in support for the war.

“Let us hold steadfast to the lessons learned from Pearl Harbor, allowing them to guide us as we face the challenges of our time with both compassion and courage,” Santiago said.