Ceremony commemorates 80th anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor
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World War II veterans, including survivors of the December 7, 1941 attack, attended the memorial ceremony with family, friends, dignitaries, and the military on December 7, 2021 at Kilo Pier at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam.
Nearly 200 World War II veterans, including 32 Pearl Harbor survivors, traveled to Oahu in the first week of December for the week-long series of events to honor the valor and sacrifice of American soldiers and civilians in World War II.
The ceremony began with a moment of silence and the presentation of colors by the Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard Color Guard, with the US Pacific Fleet Band performing the national anthem, before playing a recorded message from President Joseph R. Biden Jr.
“Dec 7, 1941, still on that day that lives in shame 80 years later, âBiden said. “We must honor those who perished and appreciate the courage of the greatest generation who have cemented our nation and our values ââin the world.”
According to the president’s message, the Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer USS Chung-Hoon (DDG 93) conducted a pass-in review before Kahu Kordell Kekoa performed a Hawaiian blessing.
Guest speakers for the ceremony included Thomas C. Leatherman, Superintendent, National Park Service, and Rear Adm. Timothy J. Kott, Commandant of the Hawaii Navy Region.
“Veterans, it’s really an honor to see you back at Pearl Harbor,” said Kott. “On this day in 1941 and in all subsequent years, we offer our ‘Aloha’ and our deep appreciation in recognition of your selfless service and sacrifice.”
World War II veterans, including survivors of the December 7, 1941 attack, attended the memorial ceremony.
The Honorable Carlos Del Toro, Secretary of the Navy, served as the keynote speaker for the event, describing the courage and patriotism of the veterans and local civilians who fought that day.
“We gather today to remember all of those we lost on that darkest day,” said Del Toro. “We also gather to honor the courage and skill of everyone who struggled, saved lives and persevered.”
The ceremony concluded with a 21-round rifle salute from Marines assigned to Marine Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Squadron (VMU) 3 and the playing of echo taps from the U.S. Pacific Fleet Band.
December 7, 2021 will mark the 80th anniversary of the attacks on Pearl Harbor and Oahu. The U.S. military, the state of Hawaii, and the National Park Service are holding a series of memorial services throughout the week to honor the courage and sacrifice of those who have served across the Pacific. Today the US-Japan alliance is a cornerstone of peace and security in a free and open Indo-Pacific region.
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