About 120 survivors of the Dec. 7, 1941, bombing of Pearl Harbor have observed a moment of silence to commemorate the Japanese attack and the thousands who lost their lives that day 70 years ago.

A fly over by Hawaii National Guard F-22 in missing man formation at 7:55 a.m. marked the exact time the surprise attack on Pearl Harbor began. It was followed by a silent salute from the sailors on the USS Chun Hoon rendering honors to those entombed in the USS Arizona memorial.

The survivors were joined Wednesday by Navy Secretary Ray Mabus, military leaders and civilians at a ceremony in Pearl Harbor.

"Your efforts burnish the reputation of the Marine Corps as the most formidable expeditionary fighting force the world has ever known," said Mabus.

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

The attack brought the United States into World War II.

Recognizing how one time foes have become strong allies, a prayer of peace was offered by Reverend Tsunekiyo Tanaka of the Japan Religious Committee For World Federation.

"Let our prayers provide peace for the living and those we will joins one day," said Tanaka.

Honoring the 2,390 military and civilian heroes who lost their lives on that day, wreaths symbolizing unending appreciation for their service and sacrifice were presented on the flag mast of each of the ships in port and the sites on Oahu that came under attack.

With their numbers dwindling, Pearl Harbor survivor Mal Middlesworth called on future generations to guard the truth of what happened that fateful day 70 years ago and to never forget Pearl Harbor.