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U.S. and Japanese citizens gathered together on Ford Island to honor the lives lost at Pearl Harbor and to recognize the U.S.-Japanese alliance as part of the 76th anniversary of the attacks on Pearl Harbor, Dec. 8.
The “Lives Remembered” ceremony was lead by Koichi Ito, the Consul General of Japan in Honolulu, under a banyan tree overlooking the USS Arizona Memorial.
The event opened with Rev. Tomonori Kawaguchi playing a prayer of peace on a traditional Japanese flute, a moment of silence and an opening statement from Ito.
“Here, the place where a war began 76 years ago, has now become a symbol of the U.S. and Japanese alliance,” said Ito. “Today, as I stand here at this place where the historical counterpoint between us and Japan occurred, I pledge to continue to do my utmost to uphold this alliance between our two countries. This alliance of hope.”
Rear Adm. Matthew J. Carter, the Deputy Commander of U.S. Pacific Fleet, also spoke about the importance of the U.S.-Japanese alliance, and remaining committed to preserving peace and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region.
“Today is a day for us to reflect and consider how much the world has changed since 1941. To embrace the friendship of our two great nations and the respect for each other and recognize the strength of our alliance and how two countries that were former enemies are now steadfast allies and partners,” said Carter. “When time allows the wounds of war to fade, the lessons learned only help to make us stronger. The valor, heroism and dedication of those that came before us will never, and can never, be forgotten.”
The 76th commemoration of the Pearl Harbor attacks, co-hosted by the U.S. Military, the National Park Service and the State of Hawaii, provided veterans, family members, service members and the community a chance to honor the sacrifices made by those who were present Dec. 7, 1941, as well as throughout the Pacific theater. Since the attacks, the U.S. and Japan have endured more than 70 years of continued peace, a cornerstone of security and prosperity in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region.
As a Pacific nation, the U.S. is committed to continue its responsibility of protecting the Pacific sea-lanes, advancing international ideals and relationships, well as delivering security, influence and responsiveness in the region.
| Date Taken: | 12.08.2017 |
| Date Posted: | 12.08.2017 16:53 |
| Story ID: | 258075 |
| Location: | PEARL HARBOR, HI, US |
| Web Views: | 67 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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