Today is the 71st anniversary of the Japanese attack on the U.S. naval base in Hawaii that brought America into World War II.

Today's remembrance ceremony began with a moment of silence at 7:55 AM, the exact time Japanese bombs began falling on Pearl Harbor.

The attack crippled the American fleet and killed 2,390 service members and 49 civilians. The next day, President Franklin Roosevelt asked Congress to declare war on Japan.

President Obama has ordered flags to fly at half-mast today in memory of those lost at Pearl Harbor.

He also issued a proclamation calling on Americans to observe the remembrance and to honor all veterans.

Friday events will also give special recognition to members of the Women Airforce Service Pilots, who flew noncombat missions during World War II, and to Ray Emory, a 91-year-old Pearl Harbor survivor who has pushed to identify the remains of unknown servicemen.

Hear President Franklin Roosevelt's speech on Dec. 8, 1941 as most Americans heard it live on the radio. President Roosevelt asks Congress for a declaration of war against the Empire of Japan, following the Japanese attack on U.S. forces at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. Audio clip runs 4:50.