Thousands Commemorate 75th Anniversary of Attack on Pearl Harbor

Photo By Chief Petty Officer Rebecca Ives | 161207-N-AI605-389 PEARL HARBOR (Dec. 7, 2016) A Marine rifle detail prepares for a rifle salute during the 75th Commemoration Event of the attacks on Pearl Harbor and Oahu at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam. The 75th commemoration, 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. (U.S. Navy photo by Petty Officer 1st Class Rebecca Wolfbrandt)  

PEARL HARBOR, HI, UNITED STATES

12.07.2016

Story by Petty Officer 1st Class Rebecca Ives 

Navy Public Affairs Support Element Detachment Hawaii

PEARL HARBOR (Dec. 7, 2016) – Thousands gathered at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam Kilo Piers Dec. 7 to witness the 75th Commemoration Event of the Attack on Pearl Harbor.

The ceremony set to honor those who lost their lives during the attacks on Pearl Harbor on Dec. 7, 1941, included a moment of silence, a pass-in-review of the guided-missile destroyer USS Halsey (DDG 97), a “Missing Man” flyover formation, and wreath presentations for each branch of the armed forces.

After the presentation of colors and national anthem, by the U.S. Pacific Fleet Band, speakers Kahu Kamaki Kanahele and Kahu Herbert Hew Len performed a Hawaiian blessing. This was followed by a prayer for peace given by Reverend Tsunekiyo Tanaka, a member of the Japan Religious Committee for World Federation.

Rear Admiral John V. Fuller, commander of Navy Region Hawaii and Naval Surface Group Middle Pacific, spoke directly to the World War II veterans, thanking them for the sacrifices they made in the past, which helped create a strong partnership with Japan.

“Those of you that served in World War II, ushered in a great era of peace and prosperity that we’ve enjoyed for decades. You did that with your blood, your sweat, and your tears,” said Fuller. “You earned our commitment to always remember Pearl Harbor. Your life changed the morning of Dec. 7, 1941, and after that day you changed the world forever.”

Keynote speaker, Adm. Harry B. Harris, Jr., commander, U.S. Pacific Command, emphasized the dedication and courage our WW II veterans showed.

“For those who gave their last full measure of devotion for their nation that day we feel a deep sense of sorrow,” said Harris. “Yet we are also inspired by their great gift to the world, the gift of freedom itself.”

The ceremony ended with a rifle salute performed by a U.S. Marine Corps rifle detail, the playing of Echo Taps by the U.S. Pacific Fleet Band, and a vintage 1940s Globe Swift plane fly-by.

As the Pearl Harbor survivors and World War II veterans left the ceremony, dozens of present-day service members lined the exit to create a “Walk of Honor,” issuing a hand salute as the walked through.

• Date Taken: 12.07.2016
• Date Posted: 12.07.2016 18:24
• Story ID: 216764
• Location: PEARL HARBOR, HI, US