NATIONAL PEARL HARBOR MEMORIAL PARADE AND PUBLIC CEREMONY
​
PRESENTING SPONSOR HISTORY® / A+E NETWORKS
Follow us for updates on official parade events and activities
News
Press Release
FOX News - Dec 2022
Report - Learn the Lessons of the Past - Veterans return to Pearl Harbor and participate in the National Pearl Harbor Memorial Parade.
​
December 7, 2022
​
Hawaii News Now Coverage of the Opening Ceremony and the Pearl Harbor Memorial Parade
​
April 30, 2020
​
Sadly, today we lost a dear friend the to Pearl Harbor Memorial Parade Family, Thomas Berg (1922-2020). Tom was a survivor of the Pearl Harbor attack in 1941, and served aboard the USS Tennessee. Tom was an honorary Grand Marshal in every parade since its beginning at the 70th Anniversary of Pearl Harbor. He will be greatly missed.
​
Click here for more information about Tom Berg and his Pearl Harbor story.
​
Tom Berg (right) with Parade Chairman Joel Biggs
February 15, 2018
​
We are saddened to share the news that Lt James “Jim” Downing, the world’s 2nd oldest Pearl Harbor survivor, passed away peacefully at his home in Colorado Springs this afternoon. He was 104 years old.
​
Jim entered the Navy at the age of 19 and served on the USS West Virginia during the attack on Pearl Harbor. While under enemy attack he memorized the names of the fallen and wrote home to their parents letting them know their sons died as heroes. After the attack he took down the last words of wounded sailors and sent them home to their parents.
​
Jim’s Naval career culminated with him becoming the commanding officer of the USS Patapsco from 1952 until 1955. Jim served in the navy for 24 years before retiring to Colorado Springs, CO.
Lt. James Downing speaking at the
75th Anniversary of Pearl Harbor
In 2016 Jim wrote about his Pearl Harbor experience in “The Other Side of Infamy.” The publication entered Jim into the Guinness Book of World Records as the World’s Oldest Male Author.
​
Although Jim was a hero to many, he always said those that didn’t make it home were the true heroes.
​
Jim is survived by six children, nine grandchildren, and 10 great-grandchildren, including his daughter Marobeth Ruegg; his son Jon Downing and his wife, Cheryl; son Joe Downing; son Don Downing and his wife, Debra; son David Downing and his wife, Crystal; and daughter Joy Riley and her husband, Mark. His son James died of a heart attack in 2013. Morena, his wife of 68 years, died in 2010.
​
In Jim’s own words “Remember Pearl Harbor. Keep America Strong!"
Please contact the Committee chair for Press items:
Joel Biggs
(800) 626-8590
(480) 654-2553 - Fax
info@pearlharborparade.org
Dec 7, 2021 Pearl Harbor Parade to pay tribute to WWII Veterans
Dec 15, 2021
Venice High School Cheerleaders Perform in Pearl Harbor Parade
Jan 27, 2021
May 3, 2021
https://www.walb.com/2021/05/04/fitzgerald-students-participate-pearl-harbor-memorial-parade/
​
May 12, 2017
Pearl Harbor Survivor and Parade Participant Alfred Rodriguez Passes Away
​
December 2016
Parade Chairman - Joel Biggs radio interview with Jack Scalia
​
April 20, 2016
Hudson Marching Band to Participate in Pearl Harbor Memorial Parade.
​
April 15, 2016
North Platte Canteen - a story of love and patriotism
July 20, 2015
Combined Burke County High School Bands from North Carolina promo video
December 7, 2014 Riverside HS Band to Perform in Parade
December 7, 2014 CBS Miami
December 7, 2014 NBC 12 Report
December 7, 2014 WDBJ7 news report about Patrick Henry HS Marching Band
December 7, 2014 Patriots Land for Parade Performance
Roanoke Times Report of Marching Band Performing in the Parade
December 7, 2011
See KITV Honolulu coverage of the Pearl Harbor Memorial Parade.
December 6, 2014 PACIFIC AVIATION MUSEUM to participate in Pearl Harbor Memorial Parade
December 5, 2014 APEX HS Choir to travel to Hawaii
December 2, 2014 Hawaii News Now
October 14, 2014 - Local Cadets selected to March in Pearl Harbor Memorial Parade
​
November 21, 2011
See how Arsenal Tech is preparing for their trip to Hawaii to participate in the Pearl Harbor Memorial Paradeand how the Indianapolis Colts and their owner, Jim Irsay, have played an instrumental role in making this trip possible.
October 12, 2011
Gridley High School Band does the impossible; will travel to Pearl Harbor. See the Video from News 10 in California.
September 29, 2011
Read an article by Alexis Davies from the Chantilly Patch about the Chantilly High School Band's participation in the 2011 Pearl Harbor Memorial Parade.