Veterans, other distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen, aloha and welcome to the battleship missouri memorial here at historic pearl harbor if is 9 02 a. M. I am michael carr, im the president and chief executive officer of the uss Missouri Memorial Association. It is an honor to snerve in tha capacity and to be your emcee today. This is the 75th anniversary of one of the most significant events in history, ending world war ii. First and fore momost the honor introduces our guests. I ask that you stand, if youre able, and remain standing. Please hold your applaud to the end so we may honor them collectively for their service, courage, and sacrifice. Mr. Alcon. Victor areola. Oscar bangoey. Walter ching. Jack detour. Paul newman. W wendall newman. Theodore richson. Arthur shack. Joseph young. Ladies and gentlemen, our world war ii veterans. [ applause ] its an honor to have you in our company today. The following world war ii veterans also call hawaii home, but unfortunately were unable to join us in person for todays ceremony. Id like to take just a moment to recognize them by name. They are julio ramon, arthur cheng, raymond cheng, narza narzal conceptione, rodrigo diaz and wilbur young. Next i want to recognize our world war ii veterans who had made plans to travel here and join us on the battle ship memorial, including 42 veterans who witnessed the ceremony on october 2nd, 1945. In the end these heroes were unable to travel due to concerns for their health as a result of the covid19 virus. Were very saddened they had to make that call, but it was for the sake of their health. Were honored to have other dignitaries this morning that we want to recognize at this time. Governor david ega who will be offering the opening remarks for todays ceremony of celebration and honor. Our distinguished guest speaker, admiral phil davison. And delivering the keynote address, secretary mark esper, the u. S. Secretary of defense. Please recognize them. [ applause ] id now like to take a moment to share a message from senators bob and elizabeth dole, honor cochairpersons to the commemoration of the end of world war ii. This is their message. When we were invited to cochair todays commemoration surrounded by the Sacred Waters of pearl harbor, we knew only the most extraordinary circumstances would keep us from joining you in person. Like everyone, we never imagined such circumstances would come to pass. Please know our hearts are with you this morning, and despite the distance, we are honored to cochair this momentous occasion alongside our dear friend, linda hope. As a combatwounded soldier, the youngest sister of an iwojima survivor, and two proud members of the family, their families and caregivers, we know too much the tragedy of war. But weve seen some qualities of which humans are capable, courage beyond measure, loyalty beyond words, sacrifice, ingenuity and endurance beyond imagining. The attack on this harbor echoed across the ocean to the mainland, ringing from coast to coast as a great call to action. When that call was heard, the entire nation responded. Perhaps no generation since our founders better understood that if they attempted to meet the moment while divided, they would not succeed. If they allowed the burden of the war to be shouldered by a precious few, they could not win. And if they did not find their path to victory, the future of our nation and freedom itself might perish from the earth. The world war ii generation eliminated one of the greatest threats to peace in the world that the world has ever known, yet, incredibly, that was not all they gave to our nation. Those americans showed future generations the sacrifice that we must sometimes make to preserve and protect freedom. They demonstrate the insurmountable odds that our country can overcome when we act as one. Most importantly, theyve provided that even in moments darkened by uncertainty and despair, there is tremendous hope through unie hope. Through unity, through selflessness, america can always find a way. May god bless the souls that lost their lives in world war ii and the servicemembers who restored the worlds peace and may god forever bless the United States of america. Bob and elizabeth dole. [ applause ] next please join me in welcoming the cochairs of the 75th World War Ii Committee, steve cologne and other members of the committee, please stand. [ applause ] we began todays ceremony at 10 02 a. M. To honor a day in world history. It was a dreary morning in tokyo bay, perfect weather for such a somber ceremony. More than 250 allied war ships encircled the missouri with more than 500 bombers in the air, representing ten nations whose forces fought in the war. Top military lirds from the allied forces and Imperial Japan gathered aboard this magnificent battle ship. U. S. S. Crew members were on deck, everyone wanting to witness history being made. The world was listening and watching as well, as dozens of news outlets and journalists who recorded the ceremony and captured each moment for future generations to remember for all time. Now if youre able, please rise for the parading of the colors and remain standing for the performance of our National Anthem and hawaii ponai. Our National Anthem will be performed by Emily Kershaw and the United Pacific band and sung by julia smyrna. Today is also a day in hawaiis history. In 1968, halua kawani was born. She was the last female monarch of the kingdom. Left, left, left, right, left. Left, left, left, right, left. Left, left, left, right, left. Left, le left. March left, left, left, right, left. Turn forward. Oh say can you see. By the dawns early light what so proudly we hailed at the twilights last gleaming whose broad stripes and bright stars through the perilous fight oer the ramparts we watched were so gallantly streaming and the rockets red glare the bombs bursting in air gave proof through the night that our flag was still there oh say does that starspangled banner yet wave oer the land of the free and the home of the brave order forward ready, two. Color guard, post a color. Left, left, left, right, left. Left, left, left, right, left. Left, left, left, right, left. Mark time more left, left. Detail right face. Ready, two ready, two left face. Forward march. Left, left, left, right, left. Left, left, left, right, left. Left, left, left, right, left. Left, left, left, right, left. Forward. Deta detail. Forward march. Left, left, left, right, left. Honoring the queens prayer this morning is marlene sai. There she is. Born on september 2, 1838. Known as a prolific songwriter, a hymn written by the queen. Known as the queens prayer, on march 22, 1895 while imprisoned in irilani palace. She asks for the lords protection, mercy and loving kindness and forgiveness of those who wronged her. Peace will be our wish now and forevermore. Amen. Thank you, marlene. Please be seated. 75 years ago, the japanese delegation had no idea what to expect upon boarding the u. S. Missouri to sign the formal documents agreeing to japans Unconditional Surrender to the allied forces. For nearly four years, the war in the pacific had raged as a series of epic, ferocious and brutal battles on land, in the sea and in the air. United states and japan were fueled by a deep hatred for each other. Foreign minister momoro shigitsu to the cross as he signed the letter of surrender in supreme command of the allied forces. Then the following countries also signed in this order. Fleet admiral chester nemitz for the United States. General hu young sang for china. Admiral Bruce Frazier for the United Kingdom. The soviet union. General sir thomas blainey for australia. Sir Morris Cosgrove for canada. General darme, a clerk from france. Lieutenant admiral for the netherlands and vice air Marshall Leonard isett for new zealand. The ceremony, though, was not one of vengeance or hatred. Instead the japanese delegation heard word of lasting peace, to bond a friendship that has grown stronger with each generation. With the rest of the world listening intently, general carter not only brought an end to the bloodiest war in modern history, he also set the tone for peace and friendship between the u. S. And japan that continues 75 years later. Well now play a video of general mcarthurs remarks from the surrender ceremony. I encourage you to listen carefully to his chosen words and imagine the significance of their meeting when they were delivered just days after the fighting had ended. It is my ernest hope, and indeed the hope of all mankind that from this solemn occasion a better world shall emerge out of the blood and carnage of the past. A world founded upon faith and understanding, a world dedicated to the dignity of man and the fulfillment of his most cherished wish of freedom and justice. As Supreme Commander for the allied powers, i announce it my firm purpose in the tradition of the countries i represent to proceed in the discharge of my responsibilities with justice and tolerance while taking all necessary dispositions to ensure that the terms of surrender are fully, promptly and faithfully complied with. Let us pray that peace in our start to the world and that god will preserve it always. These proceedings are closed. These proceedings are closed. With those four powerful words, the deadliest war came to an end. At the conclusion of the ceremony, over 900 fighters and bombers that had been in the air over tokyo bay dropped down and flew over the missouri. Fighting for peace came with heavy sacrifices by all. But we would like to offer our eternal gratitude to the memory of all those Service Members who fought so bravely, often to their death , to make the freedoms we enjoy today possible. Today was once used as an instrument of war, but instead it has evolved into an altar of peace and reconciliation. Id like to call upon steve kolong, chairman of the board of directors of the Missouri Memorial Association and cochair to say a few warremark and introduce our first guest speaker. For 27 years, steve served in the navy and navy reserve. One of his career highlights was to serve aboard u. S. S. Condroit. Steve now serves as president of Hunt Development group llcs hawaii division. Please welcome steve kalong. [ applause ] thank you, mike. The ship looks great. You should be very proud of your crew. Mr. Secretary, admiral davidson, governor riga, officers, distinguished visitors, and most importantly, our world war ii veterans, welcome and aloha. On behalf of the u. S. S. Missouri memorial association, it is an honor to welcome you as well as those joining us from all over the world to remember this momentous day in our nations history. But first, as chairman of this amazing organization, id like to take a moment to remember someone who is not here with us today but i know hes looking down on us. My good friend and mentor and predecessor tim gard served in this organization for 25 years and was our chairman since 2014. His passion for the missouri pushed us and encouraged us to ensure the mighty mo would be a memorial we could all be proud of. I know how badly tim wanted to be part of this ceremony, and it still saddens me that we lost him before that could happen. Tim, we miss you. I know youre here with us, though, in spirit. I cant tell you how proud i am of the job our missouri crew members have done to get this ship ready for today. Those who are here with us are witnessing it firsthand, and i hope those watching from their homes can get an idea of the remarkable condition of this historic vessel. Our crew members are committed to preserving this iconic battle sh battleship and sharing her place in our nations history. And what a story that is. 75 years ago today, this ship was witness to arguably the most important surrender in our worlds history. To our missouri staff and volunteers, well done on getting her ready for this special occasion. Were grateful for the dedication and commitment to sharing the u. S. S. Missouri story and her place in history. I know these six months have been trying on you, and i have to tell you that going forward, we will be sailing into some rough seas. But like the greatest generation before us, i know we will persevere, and someday soon well be welcoming visitors back to see this national treasure. Also to my 75th anniversary World War Ii Committee cochair joe long, as well as all the Committee Members watching and helping plan these events. Its been a very challenging environment. Thank you to all of you. To our world war ii veterans here and watching from afar, we once again remember and thank you for the sacrifices that you made. We will never forget, and we will always honor your service. So lets go ahead and hear from our distinguished guests who have joined us today. First up will be governor ega who will help reflect and remember on that day in tokyo and how it resonates for all of us. Both he and admiral davidson served as the 75th world war ii commemorating committee cochairs. I was honored to be serving with both of you. Governor riga is the eighth governor of the state of hawaii. Hes the first governor in okinawa ancestry. Hes also the son of a decorated veteran of the 442nd Regimented Combat Team who fought so her c heroically in world war ii. Ladies and gentlemen, please help me give a warm welcome to governor riga. Good morning. It is my honor to welcome everyone both here and across the nation and the world to the u. S. S. Missouri. On this day, on this deck 75 years ago, we marked the end in the Pacific Theater of a great global war that touched every man, woman and child of my parents generation. The war took the lives of so many on all sides, leaving a vacuum in the roles of those who could have been, who should have been our scientists, teachers, community leaders, farmers and shopkeepers. They should have been our classmates, our neighbors and our coworkers. They were our sons and daughters, our brothers and sisters, and our fathers and mothers. Victory came at a high price paid by those who suffered and died on the front lines as well as by those who endured hardship and uncertainty on the home front. It was won by an abiding belief in freedom and democracy and by the strength of character, courage and resilience that defied all odds. It was won by a generation defined as the greatest, not only by what they achieved in war, but by the peace and prosperity they created after it. Their legacy is the hope and the world order they passed on to all of us. Like hawaiis late senator d dan inoi, my own father who served in the Regimented Combat Team, they returned home to fulfill the promise of citizenship and contribute to a life where all things are possible for everyone. Like you, i stand on the shoulders of all of these men and women and can stake my claim to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness because of their actions. After the war, they transformed their fight against tyranny into a life based on the Democratic Values and purpose, showing us that democracy must not only be defended at all costs, but lived along all avenues by you and me doing what we do each and every day. That is vigilance. That is resilience. That is courage. We look at history because it tells us where weve been. We study history because it teaches us how to discover where we want to go. I dont have to tell you that this remembrance has been dramatically scaled back from original plans because of the ongoing pandemic. And perhaps thats for the best. In moments like these, we tend to get caught up in the pomp and circumstance, and sometimes forget the real reason why we gather all of these veterans. Moreover, we tend to toss the label hero around freely these days, but these veterans truly exemplify the strictest definition of heroic. Their actions stand up to the r rigid tests of the heroic, and their lives set an example for all of us to follow. Some compare fighting a pandemic akin to fighting a global war. That may or may not be an accurate comparison. What i do know is that we cannot go wrong in following their example in the face of any adversity. Their courage under fire, strength of character, resilience over time provides a clear road map for us to follow in all that we do, whether we are fighting social injustice or a virus. And so there remains only one thing left for us to say to them. Thank you. Thank you. [ applause ] and we bravely grasp the depth of those words and the immensity of our depth. God bless you all. Thank you and aloha. [ applause ] thank you, governor ige. Id also like to recognize don amono ige, his wife who is with us today. Mrs. Ige . General mark milley, the 27th chairman of the joint chiefs of staff would like to take this opportunity to thank our world war ii veterans for their bravery and sacrifice and service to our nation. We remain indebted to the veterans who demonstrated the selfless action of the greatest generation who not only served to protect and defend our nation but were part of the global force to defend peace. Ladies and gentlemen, general mark milley, chairman of the joint chiefs of staff. The greatest generation that took up arms to defend freedom against tyranny in the Second World War fought for something. They fought for a better peace. And from the ashes of the destruction and bloodshed of that war, that terrible war, they established a rulesbased global order rooted in political and economic liberty that has stood for over seven decades. My father and mother were part of that generation. My father trained here in hawaii on maui, and from here made the assault landings at kogolene, saipan and iwojima in the fourth division, while my mother served at a Navy Hospital in seattle, taking care of the wounded coming back. The lessons i have taken from my parents example has shaped my view and role and place in the world. My parents instilled in me a sense of service, an understanding of how lucky i am to be an american, how lucky i was to grow up in a country that we have freedoms of speech, press, religion and all the other rights that we enjoy on a daily basis. Today those with firsthand knowledge of world war ii are becoming fewer and fewer. And so we all must never forget the horrific cost of great power war and the sacrifices of those that went before us. As the chairman of