PEARL HARBOR, Hawaii (AP) — The Dec. 7, 1941, bombing of Pearl Harbor and the thousands who lost their lives that day are being remembered on the 70th anniversary of the Japanese attack that brought the U.S. into World War II.

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About 120 survivors will join Navy Secretary Ray Mabus, military leaders and civilians at a ceremony in Pearl Harbor on Wednesday.

Altogether 3,000 people are expected to attend the event at a site overlooking the sunken USS Arizona and the white memorial that straddles the battleship.

The USS Chung-Hoon destroyer will render honors to the Arizona and blow her ship's whistle to start a moment of silence at 7:55 a.m. — the time when the first Japanese planes launched their attack.

Ceremony at World War II Memorial

In our area, events will be held throughout the day to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the attack.

On Wednesday afternoon, a ceremony will be held at the World War II Memorial in the National mall.

Va. Sen. Jim Webb will deliver a keynote address.

70 years ago Wednesday: "A day that will live in infamy"

It was a quiet Sunday morning in Hawaii 70 years ago today when hundreds of Japanese warplanes swooped down to attack most of the U.S. Pacific fleet anchored at Pearl Harbor.

The attack would plunge the isolationist-minded United States into World War II.

It was a deadly day for all. Nearly 2,400 Americans lost their lives in the attack. Twelve ships were sunk or beached; nine others were damaged. The U.S. lost 164 aircraft. On the Japanese side, 64 died and 29 planes were destroyed.

A day later, President Franklin Roosevelt went before Congress to ask for a declaration of war. Congress approved it within hours.