The United States has marked the 81st anniversary of the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. About 2,300 people remembered the dead and renewed their commitment to peace at the site in Hawaii.

Wednesday's memorial ceremony took place in a national park on Oahu Island, facing the harbor.

The number of attendees returned to the pre-pandemic levels as ordinary citizens were allowed to participate without any admission restrictions for the first time in three years.

A moment of silence was observed at 7:55 a.m., the time the attack began on December 7, 1941. About 2,400 Americans died in the attack, including dozens of civilians.

Stephen Barnett, the commander of Navy Region Hawaii, delivered a speech. He expressed his gratitude to all people who devoted themselves to achieve peace. He said history proves that democracy is essential for peace.

Veterans have joined the ceremony every year. But some of them cannot do so as they get old.

Lou Conter, a 101-year-old veteran, is one of them. He said in a video message what happed at Pearl Harbor should be taught at schools to pass the memory on to younger generations.