It was a defining moment in United States history 66 years ago when the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor and pushed the country into World War II.

More than 2,400 Americans died that day – and both the National World War II Museum and the Pearl Harbor Survivors Association held ceremonies Friday to commemorate the day.

It was 66 years ago that 360 Japanese warplanes flew over Pearl Harbor, attacking the base and killing thousands.

The Japanese secretly plotted the attacks as they talked with the U.S. about trade agreements and their expansion into Indo-China.

The attack began shortly before 8 a.m. on December 7, 1941.

The following day congress declared war against Japan.

Friday, the Pearl Harbor Survivors Association and the National World War II Museum commemorated the anniversary.

In Chalmette, there was a ceremony at Pearl Harbor Park on Paris Road.

Several survivors attended the event where a new flag flew at the site.    

The National World War II Museum hosted a lecture - visitors also got to the view the museum's Pearl Harbor exhibit.