Pearl Harbor colors ceremony honors past, present, future

Photo By Petty Officer 2nd Class Johans Chavarro | 150820-N-IU636-177 PEARL HARBOR (Aug. 20, 2015) Master Chief Cryptologic Technician (Collection) Ky Simpson, senior enlisted leader at Navy Information Operations Command Hawaii, delivers remarks during a Pearl Harbor honors and heritage “morning colors” ceremony at the World War II Valor in the Pacific National Monument Visitor Center on Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam. Hosted by Navy Region Hawaii in coordination with the National Park Service, the theme for the ceremony was the 70th anniversary of the end of the war in the Pacific, in honor of those who have served and are currently serving the nation. The event also recognized approximately 40 Navy chief petty officer selects in attendance. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Johans Chavarro/Released)  

PEARL HARBOR, HI, UNITED STATES

08.20.2015

Story by Petty Officer 2nd Class Johans Chavarro 

Navy Public Affairs Support Element Detachment Hawaii

PEARL HARBOR - A Pearl Harbor honors and heritage “morning colors” ceremony commemorated the 70th anniversary of the War in the Pacific at the World War II Valor in the Pacific National Monument Visitor Center on Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam Aug 20.

Hosted by Navy Region Hawaii in coordination with the National Park Service, the theme for the ceremony was the 70th anniversary of the end of the War in the Pacific, in honor of those who have served and are currently serving the nation.

"This ceremony serves to enhance the recognition and preservation of our nation’s military history," said Master Chief Cryptologic Technician (Collection)Ky Simpson, senior enlisted leader at Navy Information Operations Command Hawaii and master of ceremonies during the event. "We are here to honor the service and sacrifice of our veterans and say ‘thank you’ for your service."

The ceremony also served to recognize the approximate 40 chief petty officer selects also in attendance, as they transition to the unique leadership role of becoming a Navy chief petty officer (CPO) and continue the legacy passed on from the generation who fought for the nation’s freedom 70 years ago.

Retired Master Chief Yeomen James “Jim” Taylor, Pearl Harbor liaison and guest speaker during the ceremony, spoke of his experiences joining the Chiefs Mess and what a momentous experience it is both professionally, and personally.

“43 years ago, I became a member of the CPO community,” said Taylor. “It was then, and still is today, an elite family of men and women dedicated to leading their young Sailors. In a few weeks, you will all realize, all the hard work over the years has been well worth it. And those anchors you will be wearing will be part of your life, for the rest of your life.”

At 8 a.m., members of the JBPHH Honors and Ceremonies paraded the colors.

The attack on Pearl Harbor on Dec. 7, 1941, marked the beginning of the war in the Pacific, which lasted from 1941-1945, when the Japanese announced their intent to surrender Aug. 15, 1945.

“The American flag represents the ideals of our founders, the bonds that unite us all as citizens, but foremost, it represents the sacrifice of our veterans, both past and present,” said Simpson.

• Date Taken: 08.20.2015
• Date Posted: 08.20.2015 17:24
• Story ID: 173794
• Location: PEARL HARBOR, HI, US