Minutes. Ust under 90 good morning, ladies and totlemen, and welcome todays joint National Park Service United states Navy National pearl harbor Remembrance Day ceremony. Robert franklin and i am truly honored to serve as todays master of ceremonies historic 75th anniversary. Honorings theme is the past, inspiring the future. Will pay tribute to those members of the greatest generation who paved the way here in pearl harbor for current and future generations world. Out the will the guests please rise, as able, for the arrival of the party. L for todaysparty ceremony includes ms. Jacquelyn superintendent, world war ii valor in the Pacific National monument, National Park service. Ms. Laura joss, regional pacific west region, National Parks service. [bells] and navalgion Hawaii Service group middle pacific arriving. [bell] United States Pacific Command arriving. Please are seated. Ladies and gentlemen, it is on december 7, that we observe a moment of at 0755 to commemorate the attacks off pearl harbor. You will hear u. S. S. Halsey the ships whistle. Please join me at that time in heads for a moment of silence to remember those who courageously fought and those december 7,e on 1941. Completing the moment of silence f22 raptors executing a flyover formation from memorialnd the arizona and continuing over fort island in honor of those who gave their of theirdefense country here 75 years ago today. You may see one a lot fly into to honor the lives lost please rise, as able, for morning colors and the singing of our National Anthem by petty officer third class Steven Lamonica and the United States our stateeet band and miss telaai. D by buglers, sound attention. Color guard, parade the colors. Left, left, left, right. Left, right. Left, left, left, right. Left, left, left, right. Left, right. Right. Eft, left, right. Eft, left, right. Eft, left, our National Anthem. O, 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 thru 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 [applause] standing forain the singing of hawaiis state song. Hawaii ponoi nana i kou, moi kalani alii, ke alii makua lani e kamehameha e na kaua e pale me ka i he makua lani e kamehameha e na kaua e pale me ka i he seated. E are [applause] approaching you will see the guided missile destroyer u. S. S. By commanderded of bridgeport, connecticut. Earlier this morning uss halsey rendered honors to the uss utah memorial. Since december 7th, 1941, uss utah and uss arizona are the only two ships that remain in the harbor with Service Members entombed. Returning honors was pearl harbor survivor gil meyer he represented fellow u. S. S. Utah survivors who are here with us today, bill hughes and louis underwood, as well as all utah Service Members. It is customary for ships passing the uss arizona memorial to pay their respects by rendering honors. Today, in addition to rendering honors to the u. S. S. Arizona memorial, u. S. S. Halse will also render honor to the pearl harbor who have gathered with us today. Mr. Donald stratton, escorted by petty officer first class Juan Rodriguez and National Park chief historian mr. Daniel martinez is ready to return honors as a representative for all pearl harbor survivors. Mr. Stratton is a former crew member of the u. S. S. Arizona. When the attacks started, then 19yearold firstclass seaman stratton had just finished breakfast. When he saw the japanese planes topside he ran to his battle station even before the generals quarter alarm sounded. During the attack, don stratton suffered severe burns on over 60 of his body. Following the attack, mr. Stratton spent nearly a year recovering from his injuries yet chose to return to sea as soon as he was able. Mr. Stratton reported to uss stack as gunners mate and continued his service through the end of the war. Mr. Stratton made the journey back to pearl harbor with his family to honor his fallen crew members and reconnect with old friends. Hes one of five known remaining pearl harbor survivors of uss arizona, and he stands on stage today for all pearl harbor survivors. All pearl harbor survivors and other world ii veterans invited to stand as able. Mr. Stratton will now return the salute to uss halsey. [applause] carry on. Pearl harbor survivors and world war ii veterans, please be seated. We thank the uss halsey and 199th and 19th fighter squadrons for participating in todays ceremony. In the hawaiian culture, the religious leader or spiritual advisor is known as a kahu. Today were pleased to have for our invocation a hawaiian blessing offered. [speaking Foreign Language] our Eternal Father in heaven [speaking Foreign Language] good morning, heavenly father. Our dear creator, my blessing this day is for the sacred presence of our pearl harbor survivors who are physically here. My prayer also is dedicated to the great heroes who lost their lives that day. Were also spiritually here sitting and walking among us. Heavenly father, i come before for bly and ask to make things right finally and righteous and to ask for a forgiveness. For the pain and suffering has been so long. And in doing so [speaking Foreign Language] there shall be a commitment beginning from this day for peace. And in this peace, it shall translate to world peace. Gracious and heavenly father, enough of wars. For here on this sacred day before you, we all come humbly and ask for [ speaking Foreign Language ] to love one another. Until we are received into your fold, allow us to be at peace. Humbly i ask and say these things in thy sacred name. Amen and amen. For the past 35 years, japan religious committee for World Federation has offered a prayer for peace on this occasion. We are honored to once again have them here as part of the ceremony. Reverend sunikeo tanaka will offer the prayer followed by the english translation by miss maya perry. [speaking japanese] in 1982, our organization, the japan religious committee for World Federation participated in a religion conference in new york city, and we also visited pearl harbor at that time. This is our 35th year to offer prayers for peace and consolation to the arizona memorial. This year commemorates the 75th anniversary of pearl harbor attacks and the 71st anniversary of the end of world war ii. It is the most appropriate time to reflect on our shared past, so that the great wisdom and Lessons Learned from history may be passed on to future generations. We are gathered here today in the name of peace. Given how our countries were sworn enemies at one point in time, this is a most remarkable thing. We are living proof that time heals, that it is possible to become the best of friends and allies and to have the deepest consideration and trust for one another. After the g7 summit in japan this may, president obama took the time to visit hiroshima. In his speech for peace, he said there is a future we can choose in which hiroshima and nagasaki are known not as the dawn of atomic warfare but as the start of our own moral awakening. Working together to share the wisdom of our forebears is paramount. We all must do whatever we can so world peace can be achieved for the sake of humanity. Let us pray. May lasting peace prevail in the world and may all of mankind know true happiness. May we all live together peacefully in this home that we share and may our planet become a shining beacon of love, compassion, joy, and sincerity for all. Thank you very much. [applause] todays National Pearl harbor Remembrance Day commemoration is cohosted, as it has been since 2005, by the National Parks service and United States navy. Here to share in official welcome on behalf of the National Park service is jacqueline ashwell, superintendent of the world war ii valor in the Pacific National monument, who will introduce guest speaker miss laura joss, regional director for the pacific west region. Then our navy cohost rear admiral john fuller, Commander Navy region hawaii and Naval Surface group middle pacific will offer a navy welcome and introduce our keynote speaker admiral harry b. Harris jr. , commander United States Pacific Command. Ladies and gentlemen, miss jacqueline ashwell. [applause] ms. Ashwell aloha. It is my great pleasure to serve as a cohost and welcome you to the National Pearl harbor Remembrance Day commemoration marking the 75th anniversary of the attack on oahu. Among the dignitaries we welcome today, and ladies and gentlemen, if you could, please hold your applause until the end, the honorable david egay, governor hawaii, the honorable doug ducey, governor, state of arizona, the honorable ralph torres, governor, commonwealth the marianas islands. Glober,rable her shell former secretary of veterans affairs. Admiral john richardson, chief of Naval Operations. Admiral harry harris, commander, u. S. Pacific command. Admiral william fallon, former commander, u. S. Pacific command. Admiral thomas fargo, former commander, u. S. Pacific command. Admiral richard mackey, former commander, u. S. Pacific command. The honorable spencer cox, Lieutenant Governor, state of utah. The honorable Lieutenant Governor of hawaii. Chief justice, hawaii state supreme court. The honorable janine davidson, undersecretary of the navy. The honorable franklin parker, assistant secretary of the navy for manpower and reserve affairs. Admiral scott swift, commander, u. S. Pacific fleet. General robert brown, commanding general, u. S. Army pacific. General terrence oshaughnessy, commander, u. S. Pacific air forces. Lieutenant general david berger, commander, Marine Forces pacific. General david brenlan, former commander, u. S. Army forces command. Former commander, u. S. Pacific fleet. General gary north, former commander, u. S. Pacific air forces. The honorable kirk caldwell, mayor of the city and county of honolulu. The honorable bernard carbajo, mayor of the county of hawaii. The honorable mayor of nagahoka japan. Japan. Or of ugema city, members of the consular corps, the Senior Executive service and all other flag and elected andcers, appointed officials, business and community leaders, welcome. [applause] nestled along the waters of the lava stream is the Pearl Harbor Visitors Center where more than a million and a half guests come each year to learn the history of the pacific war. The National Park service is proud stewards of three memorials dedicated to the uss arizona, the uss oklahoma and the uss utah. Collectively, these and other memorials represent those who were lost on december 7, 1941. Over the years we have collected oral history interviews of hundreds of pearl harbor survivors, both military and civilian, other world war ii veterans, as well as japanese americans with ancestry incarcerated during the war. That library of recollections gives us the opportunity to share the stories of those who witnessed, fought, and died during the attack on oahu, or who were otherwise affected by the war. This morning, on this 75th anniversary, i will share the accounts of a few of those who experienced the attack. Their stories honor our past and inspire our future. James. S. S. Arizona, had a working party on the fan tail rigging the ship for Church Services that morning. The white canvas awning snapped in the breeze. The sun was warm. The clouds were high. L things considered, the day was perfect. In the distance, unidentified planes started coming in low from the southeast lock. Heavy, muffled explosions began booming down the line at ford find. Ensign joe, officer of the deck, pulled the alarm bell. He shouted over the p. A. System again and again, all hands, general quarters, air raid. This is no drill. On the west side of ford island, a young africanamerican mess attendant from the u. S. S. Utah named clark simmons, a friend of u. S. S. Win whys dory miller, heard about then witnessed the attack. Simmons recalled, there were several of us in the compartment. I looked out on the port side toward pearl city, and as i looked out the port, i saw a plane making a run for the utah. And as she dropped the torpedo, the wing dipped and then straightened up and the torpedo headed for the utah. Another one right behind it did the same thing. And as it hit the ship, we felt the jar. At that time the bugler sounded, man your battle stations. Well, our battle stations were below deck. When i first went down to what they called battle station, we were frightened. There was water coming into the ship. It was knee deep. It is just as vivid in my mind today as it was on that day. A few miles from pearl harbor a young woman, a young nurse, anna busby, found herself in a unique position. She was in the Army Nurse Corps but on this particular day she was a patient segraves care at tripler receiving care at tripler hospital. She recalled in her oral history, i was a patient that day, and i heard just i had just placed my breakfast tray on the flar when we heard all of these sounds. They sounded horrible. When the head nurse ran down the hall, i ran after her. When we got to the back porch, you could see all this smoke in pearl harbor. I heard her say, my god, the japanese are bombing pearl harbor. And i said, well, we will all need to be on duty. The days after the attack, the nurses of tripler treated a great number of the wounded and dying. In honolulu, caught in the crossfire of battle, a terrified community began to pull itself together and respond. Among the first to take action, the honolulu fire department. That day they responded to 39 call outs. Three companies of firefighters raced to hickham at 8 05 with military and federal crews battling multiple fires involving military aircraft, barracks, and hangars. The department lost three firefighters that day. Captain thomas macey of engine four, captain john carrera of engine one, and Hoseman Harry lee peng of engine 6. In time, the u. S. Government awarded purple hearts to those civilian firefighters injured and killed on december 7. The only u. S. Civilian firefighters in history to be so honored. Here in pearl harbor we watch over the memorials. We also preserve the memories of those who experience the attack so that their words will ive forever. The National Park service keeps americas memory of the war alive for future generations. We do so to honor the past and inspire the future. And to help the world learn the. Ssons of History Today our u. S. S. Arizona memorial stands for everyone who served in uniform during world war ii. The memorial you see across the harbor is a symbol of hope. It as symbol of respect. And resilience. It touches the best and greatest ideals in all of our hearts. In the words of the late historian michael slackman, today the u. S. S. Arizona stands as a reminder of the events of that sunday morning. It has different meanings for those that visit there. But to all of them it speaks silently and eloquently of the distance yet to be traveled before the world lives in peace. Thank you and aloha to all. [applause] now it is my pleasure to introduce our National Park Service Regional director for the pacific west region, ms. Laura joss. Ms. Joss oversees operations for 61 units, trails, and areas of our National Park system in six western states and in three territories of the pacific. We are able to do our jobs here in pearl harbor, preserving the memorials and the memories thanks to her lei and support. Ladies and gentlemen, ms. Laura joss. [applause] ms. Joss thank you, superintendent ashwell. Aloha. A bridge at concord. Golden fields of gettysburg. Waters at pearl harbor. These battlefields all share a common bond. They are sacred ground to the people of the United States. They are sacred sites to the department of National Park service who preserves their memories and shares it with the world. We gather at these places to remember, to understand, and to honor. As we commemorate this 75th anniversary pearl harbor, we recall the distant memories of wars and peace. This year also marks the 100th anniversary of americas best idea, the National Parks. From acadia National Park in maine to war in the Pacific National historical park in guam, parks serve the nation as places of retreat, wonder, discovery, and reflection. The history of the National Park Service Began with the countrys desire to conserve lands that were being threatened. The idea to preserve unique landscapes originated with places lake yellowstone and yosemite and soon grew to include not just landscape but historic landmarks and treasures as well. Becoming gateways to telling americas many stories. As the number of parks increased, it became clear that a dedicated agency for their management would be needed. President Woodrow Wilson working with the congress created legislation to establish the National Park service as an agency of the department of the interior on august 25, 1916. 20 years later, another president franklin d. Roosevelt would comment on this new and unique adventure of preservation management with these words. There is nothing so american as our National Parks. The fundamental idea behind the parks is that the country belongs to the people. That it is for the enrichment of the lives of all of us. Over the past 10 decades we have as a country set aside the best of what america has to offer. We have set aside treasured landscape. We have also set aside places that tell the stories of our past, both the history we celebrate as well as the monuments we should never forget. There are now over 400 such places of reflection that the National Park service shares with the people of the United States and the world. Todays ceremony is taking place at the close of the National Park services centennial year. A theme of our centennial asks, what is a park to you . As i conclude my remarks, i ask that you look out over the waters of pearl harbor, gaze upon the memorial that rests above the u. S. S. Arizona, and ask yourself what that memorial means to you. For myself, i believe it is not merely a fitting tribute to the men who lost their lives aboard the arizona, the memorial and this commemoration honor the past. But, also, inspire the future to strive toward a world of peace. Where reconciliation is achievable. How honored we are as employees in the National Park service, your National Park service, to be the stewards of this hallowed memorial and the internationally historic landscape that surrounds it. Thank you and aloha. [applause] thank you, ms. Joss. Ladies and gentlemen, it is now my pleasure to introduce our navy cohost rear admiral john fuller. He oversees two installations Joint Base Pearl Harbor Hickam and Pacific Missile Range facility as well as all ships here in pearl harbor, hawaii. Please welcome the commander of Navy Region Hawaii and naval Service Group middle pacific, rear admiral john fuller. [applause] rear admiral fuller on behalf of the United States navy i join our partners in welcoming everyone to this historic commemoration. To our most honored guests, pearl harbor survivors, and other world war ii veterans, thank you for honoring us with your participation in todays ceremony. We are holding todays events for you. Our objective and our theme is, honoring the past and inspiring the fauch your. We remember your lost shipmates. We salute your service and your sacrifice. And that of your families. We offer you our most heart felt thanks for all you sacrificed and all you suffered. On december 7, 1941, most of you veterans were teenagers or in your early 20s. And you were away from home for the first time. Back home, your families longed to hear any news about the attack. Mothers, fathers, sisters, brothers, grandparents, all loved ones were desperately looking to hear news about the fate of their boys. Meanwhile, you pearl harbor survivors faced a grueling recovery and restoration. Joined by navy divers, shipyard civilians, citizens from hawaii, you responded. You rebuilt. You resurrected pearl harbor and the Pacific Fleet. You felt the shock. Endured the grief. And then you shouldered the burden of bringing the world back into balance. In the days after the attack, facts and information crawled along, but rumors raced along at light speed. It would take weeks to get detailed news to your families and in some cases it took months. People stood in endless lines at the Western Union in honolulu. On the mainland, families waited at home and wondered. Some mothers and fathers received their worst possible news, the news they dreaded. Kozaku. Ohana, family is our most precious institution. Family is our most precious possession. Yet in war innocent families are always vick historian ken burns chronicled the Second World War in europe and the pacific and called the war the greatest cass clism in history. He said it grew out of ancient human emotions, anger, and arrogance, and bigotry, the lust for power. It ended because other human qualities courage, perseverance, and selflessness, faith, leadership, and the hunger for freedom combined to change the course of human events. Those of you who served in world war ii, you earned the freedom and the prosperity we enjoy today. You forged and bestowed upon us a Lasting Legacy of freedom solve, your r re toughness, and your grit. And you polished that to your honor, your courage, and your commitment. Those of you who served in world war ii ushered in the current era of peace and prosperity that we have enjoyed for decades. And you did that with your blood, your sweat, and your tears. You recreated a world dedicated to order, justice, and stability. You preserved freedom. You built reconciliation. You inspired great equality and civil rights. You earned our commitment to always remember pearl harbor. Your lambs changed on the morning of december 7, 1941. After that day, you changed the world forever. As a humble beneficiary, i simply want to offer my sincere and heart felt thanks. Today we are very fortunate to hear from the Pacific Commanders perspective. Admiral harry b. Harrison is the son of a navy chief and japanese mother who met in post war japan and exemplifies how far weve come in more than seven decades. Hes a tough and courageous leader. Hes a diplomat and of course hes a war fighter. He leads our military in the pacific. And when you talk about the area he leads in the pacific, he leads army, air force, navy, and marines and his area of responsibility spans the width, the breadth, the area over, on, and under the sea for the pacific ocean, an area of responsibility encompassing half the worlds surface. Id like to say from the arctic to the incarcerate, through california, to india, a lot of responsibility. A lot of real estate. A lot of good leadership. Ladies and gentlemen, it is my honor to introduce the commander of u. S. Pacific command admiral harry b. Harris jr. [applause] admiral harris note to self never follow a tall man or little child to the podium. Ladies and gentlemen lets give it up to the pacific band for the inspirational rendition of the National Anthem. Cheering and applause] you can bet that the men and women we honor today and those who died that fateful morning 75 years ago never took a knee and never failed to stand whenever they heard our National Anthem being played. [cheering] [applause] thanks, john, for that introduction and for your terrific stewardship of this historic region. Ladies and gentlemen, good morning. Here in the land hearing the words the land of the free and home of the brave means Something Special for every american every day but today on on mber 7, it takes extraordinary significance as we are joined here in this hallowed place by world war ii veterans and survivors of attacks on military bases all across oahu including right here at pearl harbor. That fateful sunday morning 75 years ago they were about to conduct morning colors when they were surprised to hear the sounds of real bombs bursting in air instead of the reassuring melody of our nations anthem. T that dawns early light they ran to the sound of the guns as they moved boldly to begin the defense of our country. So, please help me welcome again these patriots with a grateful nations round of applause. [applause] folks, i would like to recognize a few of our honored attendees. Of course governor ige, mayors cardwell, state and city leaders, under secretary davidson, esteemed members of our diplomatic corps. Chief of Naval Operations miral john richardson, retired and serving general officers. Fox sports executives, thanks for highlighting our veterans past and present for the second year in a row. Gary senise, garth brooks, and Tricia Yearwood thanks for entertaining our troops. Leaders of the National Park service, thank you for what you do every day to remember these hallowed places and congratulations on your centennial year. Distinguished guests and ladies and gentlemen, just [applause] just prior to the attack 75 years ago on a morning not unlike this one people not unlike us, were waking up to enjoy another day in paradise. Today some of the veterans joining us were probably thinking about spending the day on the beach, playing baseball, hanging out with friends, or listening to the battle of the bands at block arena right here on this base. No one knew it would be the last moment of peace for almost four years. The horrific events that took ace here, her navy, Army Air Corps, her marine corps, and the territory of hawaii were taken by surprise. We were attacked all across oahu at Schofield Barracks and wheeler field, at bellows, hickam, and of course right here at pearl harbor. It fell upon the shoulders of brave americans like these here in the front rows to respond to crisis that fateful day. The surprise assault by the Imperial Japanese navy lasted all of 110 chaotic minutes, almost as long as this speech is going to be. [laughter] it was a day of gallantary and unquestionable heroism even as it was a day of sacrifice and immeasurable loss. In less than two hours there were over 2400 killed, 1200 wounded, a majority of the u. S. Pacific fleet taken out of action. Catastrophic by any standards. The scars remain and we see them all around us. The battle ships u. S. S. Arizona u. S. S. Utah still in entombed in these waters behind me. The u. S. S. Oklahoma memorial. The bullet holes in the buildings at ford island and hickam field and on the bodies and the minds of the veterans here with us today. These scars remind us of our history and how america responded with conspicuous valor. Today we have a precious opportunity to reflect on what it means to be a patriot, to reflect on what it means to be a nation, tested by war, and to reflect on both the cost and the blessings of liberty. They say that hindsight is 20 20. History has shown us that the alarm bells had been sounding throughout the 1930s. As america looked eastward toward europe we watched as the military dictatorship in germany began to grow in power and fascist italy aligned itself to nazi germany. We looked westward as well. We saw the mill taristic rise of imperial japan. In fact, we relocated the Pacific Fleet from california to hawaii in 1940, a move designed to give pause to a potential adversary. The original rebalance in the Indo Asia Pacific if you will. Even so, 75 years ago the United States was strategically surprised, caught flat footed by imperial japan. The military and First Responders here in the islands mustered an incredibly brave defense against staggering odds. They engaged the enemy as best they could with what they had. For those who gave their last full measure of devotion for their nation that day, we feel a deep sense of sorrow. Yet we are also inspired by their great gift to the world, the gift of freedom, itself. They did not go quietly into that night and along with those who survived, a reluctant nation emerged to fight and ultimately win world war ii. Those who survived pearl harbor also left us a warning. Remember pearl harbor. Keep america alert. Eternal vigilance is the price of liberty. And imperative to never be caught by strategic surprise again. But 15 years ago we were again surprised by a major attack on our soil. Not by a nation state this time but by terrorists. As before, in the preceding decades, alarm bells had been ringing. Even as we worked hard to understand those alarms, few if any could have anticipated the methodology behind those events in new york and shanksville and the pentagon on that fateful autumn day. Now, im not a preacher man. In fact, the chief of chaplains is in the audience here but there is a passage in the good book which defines for me who those who responded in 1941 and again in 2001 are. You see, in isaiah god was searching for the right man. A man with the right stuff if you will. A man to embark on a Dangerous Mission and go into a dangerous land. Whom shall i send . Who shall go for us . It was isaiah who responded, here am i, lord. Send me. Here am i. Send me. Powerful words when our nation was attacked 75 years ago today and 60 years later on another sunny day this time in new york. Lady liberty called out in her pain and anguish, whom shall i send . Who shall go for me . Everywhere, soldiers, sailors, airmen, coast guardsmen, and civilians called out, here am i, america. Send me. Here am i. America. Send me. [applause] america is the country she is because of young men and women willing to forego wearing a business suit, forego strolling down easy street, and forego living the good life. To wear instead the cloth of the nation. To travel instead a long and uncertain road fraught with peril. To live a ragged life on the edge of danger, to live lives that matter. America is blessed beyond riches. Our nation is blessed to have strong men and women with the exceptional courage who are willing and able to step forward to do whatever it takes to defend america whenever lady liberty is in jeopardy. Just like the greatest generation who answered the clarion call of duty after pearl harbor, and korea and vietnam and the cold war and the gulf war, a new generation of men and women volunteered to stand in the gap for us following 9 11. Since then we have pursued and engaged our enemies even to the ends of the earth and were still at it today. A free nation cannot survive without those who are willing to Place Service to country ahead of service to self. So, ladies and gentlemen, every we remember the past actions of our veterans on oahu because they inspire us today and because they shape our future. A tour across present day hawaii reveals the depth of americas tenacity to protect our enduring National Interests in the pacific. America is a pacific nation, a pacific power, and a pacific leader. Secretary of defense carter has rightly called the Indo Asia Pacific the most consequential region for americas future. This area already drives Global Economic prosperity and will do so for the next century. Ours is a region of rapid growth, not only in population not only in industry, but also in competition for scarce resources and in military capabilityy. President reagan once said we cant be innocents abroad in a world that is not innocent. You just witnessed a demonstration of americas resolve as the u. S. S. Halsey steamed around ford island, and f22 raptors flew overhead. On the pier next to us is the mighty Aircraft Carrier the u. S. S. John c. Stennis. The poster ship of Americas National will. Your military forces based here and throughout the indo Asian Pacific region stand to ensure our nation remains vigilant, to keep america safe, and defend our very way of life. The best fighting force the world has ever seen exists when our nation needed it the most, 75 years ago today. The Selfless Service of the greatest generation, both the veterans and the civilians on the home front that supported them, one bank the piece by ending the war. They defined our National Heritage and today, we thank them for our service their service and their service to our nation. Todays events have renewed my confidence in the future of our country. From all walks of life and across generations, i have heard people telling their stories, i saw tears and laughter, sorrow and joy. I am reminded of the stories my father would tell me about his war experiences as an enlisted man stationed aboard the uss lexington, and Aircraft Carrier harbor just pearl days before the attack. My dad and so many of the greatest generation are no longer with us, but we can still hear their stories of duty, honor, and encourage. Their ghosts walk among us. Their spirits speak to us. Protect this house, this we will defend. And we are fortunate indeed to listen and learn from living world war ii veterans. Including president bush, and thedole and akaka Tuskegee Airmen and so many others who are with us today or watching the broadcast across america. What we hear is that the future belongs to the brief. Our country is both defined by her storied past and invigorated by her balanced future. We rise today to honor that future. Emboldened by the intrepid service of those who came before us and carried on word by those young men and women that serve today. Can icas commander, i i give you my word that the 380,000 civilians and warriors that comprise the u. S. Pacific command are ready to fight tonight and when so we may always be free. We remember pearl harbor and the attacks across a walk who oahu. We remember americas response i her sons and daughters that brought the bright stars and broad stripes through many perilous bites including model can now, at normandy, at okinawa, and at iwo jima. We also recall and honor the sacrifices made during world war ii by the many allied nations so that the world could see freedom renewed. Today, week work we work with allies and partners across the world to protect those hardfought freedoms including our ally japan. Reconciliation turned once bitter enemies into the closest of Friends United by shared values and interests. Yet another Lasting Legacy of that greatest generation. Ladies and gentlemen, as we look upon the majestic memorial behind me, take comfort in knowing that our departed world war ii veterans continue to stand vigilant watch as Guardian A Jones as Guardian Angels of our nation. Todays joint forces have assumed liberties mantle. Passed down in an unbroken change chain, watch to watch for 75 years. One,e, and i mean no should doubt that a strong u. S. Military will continue to stand a global watch for generations to come. As a legacy and lessons of pearl harbor are passed to our children and our childrens children. Who will also stand the watch and continue to fight against tyranny and injustice. To americas World War Two patriots here and at and at home, we will never forget your current under considerable fire and seemingly insurmountable odds. Because of you, our future remains bright. We owe you and in measurable that and we cannot thank you enough for answering the call of duty when lady liberty needed it the most. May god bless our soldiers, sailors, airmen, marines, and goes guardsmen past and present who stood the watch and answered that clarion call to duty. May god bless this beautiful state of hawaii and may god bless the United States of america which has always been and forever shall be the land of the free and the home of the brave. Thank you very much. Applause]d thank you admiral harris. Reuse wreaths you are about to see presented are a symbol of our unending gratitude to service and sacrifice. Today, we honor heroes, military and civilians that lost their lives december 7, 1941. This morning, we will print honorl place wreaths to those lost. They will be presented by active duty Service Members and National Park service rangers. This formation represents our past and present. It honors those who fought in the name of freedom 75 years ago and recognizes our veterans and current activeduty members who continue to selflessly serve our country. Also, these wreaths represent hope that our future therations may never forget many sacrifices that took place and continue to take place every day. The bell you will hear is from the uss , a submarine. It was launched in 1944 and served in the pacific during world war ii. The territory of hawaii. Ringing] on that fateful morning, 40 nine civilians lost their lives as a result of the attack. As a basic for all of these services, the territory of hawaii and its citizens played a major role in one of historys greatest salvage and repair efforts, quickly restoring the damaged ships and expediting their return to the damage to flee. Hawaiian citizens opened their homes and businesses to those stationed on the islands and those returning from our patrols. Today, the state of hawaii remains a strategic and welcoming homeport for our military continuing to offer aloha to all. Representing the territory of andis Staff Sergeant park ranger. Will our civilians and survivors please stand as able. [applause] civilians, survivors, and witnesses, please receded. Bcd. United states army. [bell rung] ofle many history books tend focus on the pearl harbor attack, the brave members of the united eight army fought diligently to defend their post. Tom Schofield Barracks bellows airfield, the u. S. Army had and continues to have a large presence on a walk representing the United States army is captain Caitlin Moore of plano, texas and park greater Michael Baron of honolulu, hawaii. Will all of our Army Veterans please stand as able. [applause] [cheers and applause] United States marine corps. [bell urung] many may not realize until visiting the uss arizona that a marine attachment made a part of the company. 100 nine marines lost their lives that day. 105 perished aboard ships april harper and four were killed in action at the mass field. Representing the United States marine corps is Sergeant Dustin campfield of phoenix, arizona and park ranger ernest haycock of roswell, new mexico. Will all of our marine corps veterans please stand as able. [applause] [applause] veterans, please be seated. United states navy. [bell rung] 1009 hundred 99 sailors lost their lives in the december 7 attacks on pearl harbor enables nation. Many sailors met their final resting place in these waters directly beneath us while defending their ships and helping their shipmates escape the burning holes. Many more assisted in rescue and Recovery Efforts in the days and weeks that followed. Representing the United States navy is petty officer first class Stephen Smith of hawaii, and park ranger bruce nickel of pompano beach, florida. Will all of our Navy Veterans please stand as able. Applause]d [cheers and applause] Navy Veterans, please be seeded. United states air force. [bell rung] though not yet a service in 1941, the United States air force was formerly referred to as our Army Air Corps and here on oahu as the hawaiian air force. On december 7, lieutenant ken taylor and george wells scramble to their aircraft and took off skies against incredible odds. Representing the United States air force is captain Eddie Clements of marquette, michigan stephen cam cam of salinas, california. Will all of our air force veterans, please stand as able. [applause] [applause] air force veterans, please be seated. United states coast guard. [bell rung] at the time of the attack, u. S. Coast guard officers in hawaii were stationed in honolulu. Intercepted, they the dispatch that claimed destruction of a summary. Later, tiger itself came under enemy fire but did not suffer any casualties. Representing the United States coast guard is in yelm and secondclass Donna Moriarty of oregon and stacy scott of germany. Will all of our coast guard veterans, please stand as able. [applause] [applause] coast guard veterans, please be seated. And thank you to our representatives. Will all pearl harbor survivors and other world war ii veterans, please remain seated so we can honor you. Author greg nelson in his recent book pearl harbor from infamy to greatness. Quoted i saw everything that went on there and i tell you what, there was more current and more her aerobics and more valor thanore sacrifice that day a human being ought to see in 10 lifetimes. Veterans,vivors and you once bravely stood fast and tough, responded, recovered, and prevailed. 1941, and in the years that followed, you superbly executed your duties at your post and whether the storm of war. It is because of you, and others like you that we enjoy freedom and liberty in this great country. All pearl harbor survivors and world war ii veterans remaining seated, will everyone else please stand and join me in expressing our appreciation. A grateful nation of thought you applauds you today. Applause]d thank you. Please be seated. Vintage 1940s globes with aircraft will soon fly overhead. With its sleek lines and retractable landing gear, this was the economical civilian counterpart to the Fighter Aircraft that pilots flew during world war ii. It was a fighter surrogate that thousands of world war ii veterans came home to fly. As it shares many common characteristics. Only 521 were manufactured. Rise as able and remain standing for the benediction, marine corps rifle salute and the echo taps. Rear admiral margaret kibben, it navy chief of chaplains will now offer the benediction. Shore of gods presence among us this day, let us pray for his benediction over our commemoration. If you would, please pray with me. Almighty and eternal god, on this day of infamy, we ask that you would bless the memory of the heroes who distinguished themselves that fateful morning and in the days and years that followed. Though each passing year attempts to erase the impact of the countless sacrifices, guard us from ever neglecting the cost so many paid to preserve our freedom and defend our liberty. The attributes offered to those that gave the ultimate sacrifice, awaken in us, the same spirit of commitment that divide complacency in the face of evil. That allow us to forget the ideals which defined our nation then, are now the responsibility of every american citizen to uphold. In the ever vigilant cause for peace and may we exemplify your mercy and remain in your grace. It is in the strength of your name that we pray, amen. By for rifle salute. And salute. Ready. Aim. Fire. Present arms. [taps] ready. Forlease remain standing the departure of the official party and our honored guests. Following the departure of the official party, we invite all of our pearl harbor survivors and world war ii veterans to participate in the walk of honor. [bell rung] United States Pacific Command departing. [whistle] [bell rung] naval surf Service Group pacific, departing. Histle] on behalf of the National Park service and the United States navy, thank you for attending todays special observance of the 75th anniversary of the attack on oahu. Honoring the past and in starting the future and remembering the sacrifices made by those who served here on december 7, 1941. And to those who are watching our ceremony through our online broadcast on me broadcast, we also sent a sincere all of aloha. Thank you to the many volunteers who made todays hair money possible. Todays ceremony possible. Beater tribute will conducted and as a reminder, all Pearl Harbor Military and civilian survivors as well as our world war ii veterans and descendents are invited to participate in the walk of honor tribute. Guests may watch near the main entrance of the peer as Service Members of all salute these brave men and women. Please enjoy the patriotic songs from our band today. Enjoy the rest of the day and may you always remember paul harbor. Thank you. Pearl harbor. Thank you. [applause] you are looking at film shot 75 years ago on the morning of december 7, 1941 when were planes from six japanese Aircraft Carriers attacked the island of oahu in a light targeting the u. S. Specifically at the harbor. Almost 2400 americans were killed and 1200 wounded. The surprise attacks led to the u. S. Entry into world war ii. For the next two hours here on American History tv, we will be joined by historians on the attack on pearl harbor. We have three ways for you to join the conversation including our cspan listeners this morning. We welcome you. Our phone lines are you can also send us a tweet. And weat cspan history look forward to your comments on facebook as well. Facebook. Com cspan history. Joining us from new york city on the first hour of our program is even told, the author of pacific crucible war at sea in 19411942 your it looks at the war from pearl harbor to the midway. I want to start by asking you how pearl harbor changed the course of history. In many ian in many ways. I could go on answering the question for the hour. Not just for our country, but for the world. Eight launched this country onto ode global stage after a peri where we have been isolationist. Large, the American People were not interested in participating in affairs of shores. Pearl harbor virtually change that overnight. Host been researching this book, did you are views down on pearl harbor change at all . Ian certainly. Attack on pearl harbor was an extraordinarily well executed attack from the Japanese Point of view. Former speaker of the house Newt Gingrich tweeted out to the effect that the japanese attack and then technique a brilliant. Had been technically brilliant. He was criticized for that. Right. Some ways he was fdr essentially
vimarsana.com © 2020. All Rights Reserved.