December 7, 1941, marked a devastating day in American history.

The Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor and either injured or killed more than 3,500 Americans.

Multiple battleships were damaged, and some were permanently sank including USS Arizona, USS Oklahoma, and USS Utah.

A war had already been going on, and the attack forced the United States into that war.

This was a turning point for the U.S. in World War II.

On the 81st Anniversary of Pearl Harbor, Governor Pete Ricketts has ordered flags to be flown at half-staff for Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day.

Eighty-one years ago, Americans united in response to Imperial Japan’s surprise attack at our naval station in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii,” said Gov. Ricketts. “Motivated by the attack on Pearl Harbor, Americans of all backgrounds came together to defend our homeland and the freedoms we hold dear. Those who died serving our country on December 7, 1941, will never be forgotten.

Governor-Elect Jim Pillen also released a statement in remembrance of the day:

On this Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day, let us recall the sacrifice and bravery of the 2,403 Americans and 22 Nebraska heroes who gave their lives in service of our country," said Governor-elect Pillen. "Their courage should forever serve as a reminder of the enduring American spirit, the ideals our country stands and fights for, and the unwavering devotion of all our veterans and active duty servicemembers.

Congressman Don Bacon remembered those who lost their lives or were injured on that dreadful day in a tweet.

Let us not forget the lessons of Pearl Harbor and that deterring war is better than fighting one," Bacon said in a press release. "Let us remember that ‘peace through strength’ remains true today and pay tribute to those who gave their all for our country.