Secretary of State Mark Martin -20
December 7, 2016, marks 75 years since the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor — 75 years since the start of American involvement in World War II. For those unable to travel to Hawaii for this important moment in American history, landlocked Arkansas offers an enticing, and convenient, alternative: the state is home to the last floating Navy vessel that was present in Pearl Harbor during the attack, and the only place in the world to see two Navy vessels that bookend World War II.
On the banks of the Arkansas River in North Little Rock, Arkansas, the Arkansas Inland Maritime Museum is home to USS Razorback, the longest-serving submarine in the world, and USS Hoga, a National Historic Landmark-designated tugboat that fought fires for 72 continuous hours on Battleship Row during the attack on Pearl Harbor.
The museum, along with several other Central Arkansas museums and attractions, invites you to “Arkansas Remembers Pearl Harbor,” a commemorative week of events scheduled for Dec. 5–11, 2016.
All events, ranging from stage productions to photograph exhibits, will be free or have military discounts. The lineup includes:
- A formal Pearl Harbor Day ceremony with state dignitaries on Dec. 7 at the Arkansas Inland Maritime Museum recognizing three Arkansas Pearl Harbor survivors and remembering those who were lost. The submarine will be open for tours after the ceremony.
- A private pre-show reception and discounted tickets for military to “A Christmas Story”at the Arkansas Repertory Theatre, the state’s largest non-profit professional theatre company.
- “SOS Supper and a Show” with traditional chopped beef on toast for dinner and the classic film Tora, Tora, Tora! at the Jacksonville Museum of Military History.
- “The 1940s” Exhibit at Esse Purse Museum, the only purse museum in the United States. Fashion retreated to the back burner with wartime rationing in the early 1940s. Purses became larger and more practical to accommodate the new self-sufficient women, symbolized by Rosie the Riveter and her can-do attitude.
- Tango back in time with “Art of Motion: Tango” at the Arkansas Arts Center. Come dressed in 1940s attire and ready to learn how to tango!
- Military Night at The Joint Theater and Coffeehouse, with a discount to see the hilarious comedy show, “A Fertle Holiday.”
- Five photograph and archive exhibits at local museums about the effects of World War II in the United States and Arkansas.
For the most up-to-date event information, visit AIMMuseum.org/ARRemembersPearlHarbor or the Arkansas Inland Maritime Museum Facebook page.
To show its appreciation for active and retired military, the Wyndham Riverfront Hotel in North Little Rock is offering a significant discount to visitors coming to Arkansas for the event. This hotel has two in-house restaurants and is within minutes of shopping and entertainment. To reserve your room, call 501-907-4837 by Nov. 23, 2016.
Never been to Central Arkansas before? There’s even more to do! North Little Rock is convenient for travelers, only 10 minutes from the Clinton National Airport and right off major highways. Hop on the vintage METRO streetcars that cross the Arkansas River to visit the Argenta Arts and Entertainment District of North Little Rock and the River Market District in Little Rock. Both downtown areas have plenty of shopping, dining and entertainment for all ages. The Clinton Presidential Library is close by, as well as the kid-friendly Museum of Discovery and the last standing structure from the classic film, “Gone with the Wind.”