1. Attack on Pearl Harbor: December 7, 1941, is known as the day that will live in infamy because of the surprise attack on Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, by the Japanese military. What many people don't know is that Arizona played a role in the attack as well. Just hours after the attack, Japanese planes bombed and strafed the U.S. Naval Air Station at Kaneohe Bay, which is located on the eastern shore of the Hawaiian island of Oahu. Forty-eight aircraft were destroyed or damaged, and two U.S. Marines were killed.

2. USS Arizona Memorial: The attack on Pearl Harbor prompted the United States to enter World War II. Today, visitors can tour the USS Arizona Memorial, which was built over the remains of the battleship that was sunk during the attack. The memorial is located in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, but many of the visitors to the site come from Arizona, which has a deep connection to the tragedy.

3. Arizona's role in the war effort: Despite being thousands of miles from the war, Arizona played a significant role in the United States' war effort. The state was home to several military installations, including Luke Air Force Base and Davis-Monthan Air Force Base. Arizona also served as a training ground for pilots and other military personnel.

4. Arizona's contribution to the Manhattan Project: Known as the "father of the atomic bomb," physicist Robert Oppenheimer led a team of scientists in the development of the atomic bomb during World War II. The Manhattan Project, as it became known, was conducted in secret, but many of the scientists working on the project passed through Arizona on their way to Los Alamos, New Mexico, where the project was headquartered.

5. Statehood Day: December 7, 1911, is the day that Arizona became the 48th state in the Union. This makes December 7 a doubly significant day in Arizona history. Today, visitors to the state can explore its rich history at museums and cultural sites throughout the state, and many of these sites honor the sacrifices made by Arizonans during World War II.