Memorial and museum docked at pearl harbor in honolulu, hawaii. Up next, a ceremony aboard the ship to mark the anniversary of the surrender. Esper andnclude mark Hawaii Governor david he gave david. Other distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen, a loja and welcome to the battleship memorial here at historic pearl harbor. It is nine oh 2 a. M. , the moment 75 years ago when this on this ship. My name is michael and i am the president and chief executive officer of the uss missouri memorial organization. It is an honor to serve in that capacity and be the mc for this ceremony as we commemorate a huge milestone, the 75th anniversary of one of the most significant events in history, the ending of world war ii. Foremost, i have the honor of welcoming our special guests, world war ii veterans who are with us here today. I will name them individually and ask that you are that you stand if you are able, and remain standing. Please hold your applause at the until the end so we honor them collectively for theirs their service, courage, and sacrifice. Walter, jack, newman,man, wendell arthur, richardson, lambert, and joseph young. Ladies and gentlemen, our world war ii veterans. [applause] it is an honor to have you in our company today. The following veterans were not able to join us in person for todays ceremony. I would like to recognize them by name. Raymond,on, arthur, frederico, and william. I want to recognize our world war ii veterans who made plans to travel from the ,ainland and join us today including 14 veterans who witnessed the ceremony on september 2, 1945. The heroes were unable to travel due to concerns for their health due to covid19. We were saddened to make the call but it was done for the sake of their health. We are honored to have many other dignitaries this morning that i would like to recognize. Please hold your applause until all parties are mentioned. The governor who is offering todays remarks for the ceremony and honor, our distinguished guest speaker, commander of pacific command. Delivering the keynote address for the ceremony is secretary mark esper, secretary of defense. [applause] now i would like to take a ent at the end of world war ii. This is their message. When we were invited to cochair todays commemoration, surrounded by the waters of pearl harbor, we knew that only in the extraordinary circumstances would keep us from joining you in person. We never imagined such circumstances would come to pass. Please know our hearts are with you and despite the distance, we are honored to cochair this occasion alongside our dear friend, linda. A combat wounded soldier, youngest sister of a survivor, and two proud advocates for veterans, families, and caregivers, we know well the devastation and tragedy of war. At the same time, we have seen war summoned the same qualities which human us are capable, courage or beyond measure, loyalty beyond words, sacrifice, ingenuity, and endurance beyond imagining. Eckert across the ocean to the mainland, bringing from coasttocoast ringing from coasttocoast as a great call to action. When the call was heard, the entire nation responded. Perhaps no generation since our founders better understood that if they attempted to meet the moment while divided, they would not succeed. Allowed the burden of the war to be shouldered by a precious few, they could not win. If they did not find a path to victory, the future of our nation and freedom itself might perish from the earth. Generation a ii limited one of the greatest peace that the world had ever known and incredibly, that was not all. They showed future generations the sacrifices we must some sometimes make to preserve and protect freedom. They demonstrate insurmountable odds our country can overcome when we act as one. Most importantly, they provided that even in moments darkened by an certainty and despair, there is tremendous hope. He selflessness america can always find a way. May god forever bless the United States of america. Bob and elizabeth dole. [applause] next, cochairs of the world war ii committee, and other members of the committee, please stand. The time when the surrender ceremony began to bring an end to the most instructive war in world history. A cloudy and dreary moment in tokyo bay, perfect weather for a somber ceremony. Circle was very with over 900 farmers in the air. Allied forces and Imperial Japan gathered aboard magnificent battleship. History west witness history being made. The world was listening and watching. Capture each moment for future generations for all time. Now remain standing. Colors will be administered by the honor guard. Our National Anthem will be performed, along with music by the band. Corps band. E celebrated day in hawaiis history. 1838,s day, september 2, was born. Of the the last and only last sovereign monarch of the hawaiian kingdom. Colorguard. Left, left, left right left. Left, left, left right left. T, left, left light left left right left. Left, left, left right left. 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 through 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 o, say, does that starspangled banner yet wave oer the land of the free and the home of the brave . Ready, left. Forward. March. Left, left, left right left. Left. Left, left right left, left, left right left. Detail, holte. Forward face. Forward march. Right, left. Eft, offering the prayer this morning is my arlene is meyer is marlene. There she is. Born september 2, 1838. Songwriter,rolific a hymn written by the queen. Known as the queens prayer, march 20 2, 1895. While imprisoned. Lordsed for the protection, mercy, and lovingkindness. And forgiveness of those who wronged her. Peace will be our wish now and forever more. Thank you. 75 years ago,stop the japanese delegation had no idea what to expect aborting japansure, Unconditional Surrender to the allied forces. For nearly four years, the war in the pacific had raged as a series of epic, ferocious and in on land, at sea, the air. United states and japan were fueled by a deep hatred for each other. The japanese delegation stood across from general Douglas Macarthur as he signed surrender. The following countries, signed in this order. General chang for china. Admirable fraser for the united kingdom. Admiral frazier for the united kingdom. General thomas for australia. Colonel lawrence for canada. The general from france. Netherlands,r the and leonard from new zealand. The ceremony was not one of vengeance and hatred. Words advocating for lasting the seeds thatnt would grow stronger with each generation. With the rest of the world listening intently, general myth art macarthur set the tone for the peace and friendship between the u. S. And japan that continue 75 years later. Video ofow play general macarthurs remarks. I encourage you to listen carefully to his words, and imagine the significance of the meeting when they were delivered days after the fighting had ended. It is my earnest hope in the that froml mankind this solemn occasion, a better world shall emerge out of the blood and carnage of the past. A world founded upon understanding, a world dedicated to the dignity of man and his freedom,ished with for tolerance, and justice. Commander, i announce that my purpose, in the tradition of the countries i represent proceed in the discharge of my responsibilities , with justice and tolerance, while taking all necessary dispositions to ensure that the ,erms of surrender are fully promptly, and faithfully complied with. Nowus pray that peace be thatred to the world and god will preserve it always. Proceedings are closed. With those four powerful tods, the deadliest war came an end. Over 900 fighters and bombers that had been in the air over tokyo bay drop down and flew over the missouri. Fighting for peace came with heavy sacrifices for all. We would like to offer eternal gratitude to for the memory of those who fought ably, often to their death, to make the freedoms we enjoy today possible. Anhasnt evolved into author of peace and reconciliation. Call upon steve, chairman of the board of directors of the uss Memorial Association and cochair of the 75th Commemoration Committee to say a few remarks and introduce our first guest speaker. In 2006, steve retired as a captain and one of his career highlights include serving above aboard the uss during Operation Desert Storm as the operation officers escorted uss missouri and combat operations in support of the ground war and witnessed the mighty battleships guns firing. Steve serves as president of the hawaii division. Please welcome steve. [applause] thank you. The ship looks great. You should be proud of your crew. Secretary, admirable admiral davidson, governor, officers, distinguished importantly, most our world war ii veterans. Welcome and a loja. On behalf of the Memorial Association, it is an honor to welcome you as well as those joining us from all over the world, to remember this momentous day in our nations history. As chairman of this amazing organization, i would like to take a moment to remember someone who is not here with us today, but i know he is looking down on us. Mentor, andnd and predecessor, tim, served on this organization for 25 years and was our chairman since 2014. Missourion for the pushed us and encouraged us to ensure this would be a memorial we would all be proud of. How badly tim wanted to be a part of this ceremony and it still saddens me that we lost him before it could happen. We miss you. I know you are here with us in spirit. I cannot tell you how proud i am of the job our crewmembers have done to get this ship ready for today. Those of you who are here with us are witnessing it firsthand and i hope those watching from their homes can get an idea of the remarkable condition of this historic vessel. Our crewmembers are committed to preserving this iconic battleship and sharing her story in place in our nations history. What a story it is. 75 years ago today, this ship was witness to arguably the most support and surrender most important surrender in our worlds history. To our missouri staff and volunteers, well done on getting her ready for this special occasion. We are grateful for dedication and commitment for sharing the story and her place in history. I know these six months have been trying on you. Going forward, we will sail into some rough seas. Like the greatest generation before us, i know we will persevere and someday soon, we will be welcoming visitors back to see this national treasure. Also to my 75th anniversary world were to commit a ration allittee cochair as well as of our Committee Members who are here watching and watching for the hard work of planning these events. A very challenging environment. To our world war ii veterans here and watching from afar, we once again remember and thank you for the sacrifices that you made. We will never forget, and we will always honor your service. So lets go ahead and hear from our distinguished guests who have joined us today. First up will be the governor, who will help reflect and remember, on that day in tokyo, and how it resonates for all of us. Both he and the admiral served as the 75th world war ii Commemoration Committee cochairs. I was honored to be serving with both of you. The governors the eighth governor of the state of hawaii of he is the first governor he is also the son of a decorated veteran of the 442nd Regimental Combat Team that fought so heroically in world war ii. Ladies and gentlemen, please help give a warm welcome to governor david ek to the governor. [applause] gov. Ige good morning. It is my honor to welcome everyone here and across the nation and the world to the uss missouri. Day, 75 years ago, we marked the end of a great global war that touched every man, and child of my parents generation, leaving a vacuum in the worlds of those who could have been and should have been our scientists, teachers, community leaders, farmers, and shop keepers. They should have been our classmates, our neighbors, and our coworkers. They were our sons and daughters, our brothers and sisters, and our fathers and mothers. Price, came at a high paid by those who suffered and died on the front lines, as well as by those who endured higher hardship and uncertainty on the home front. By an abiding belief in freedom and democracy and by the strength of character, thatge, and resilience defied all odds. It was won by a generation defined as the greatest, not only by what they achieved in war, but by the peace and prosperity they created after. Hope in the is the world order they passed on to all of us. My own father, who served in a regimen combat team, they returned home to fulfill the promise of citizenship and contribute to a life where all things are possible for everyone. I stand on the shoulders of all of these men and women, and can stick my claim to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, because of their actions. After the war, they transformed their fight against peer any into a life based on the democratic values, showing us not only becy must defended at all costs, but live along all avenues by you and me, doing what we do each and every day. That is vigilance. That is resilience. That is courage. We look at history because it tells us where we have been. We study history because it teaches us how to discover where we want to go. I do not have to tell you that this remembers remembrance has been dramatically scaled back from original plans because of the ongoing pandemic. Perhaps it is for the best. In moments like these, we tend to get caught up in the pomp and circumstance and we sometimes forget the real reason we gather. All of these veterans. Toss around tend to the label hero freely these days but these veterans truly exemplify the strictest definition of heroic. Their actions stand up to the and theirrigid tests lives set an example for all of us to follow. Some compare fighting a pandemic akin to fighting a global war. That may or may not be an accurate comparison. What i do know is that we cannot go wrong in following their example in the face of any adversity. Fire,courage under strength of character, resilience over time, provides a clear roadmap for us to follow in all that we do, whether we are fighting social and debt social injustice for the virus. There remains only one thing left for us to say to them. Thank you. Thank you. God bless you all. Thank you and a loja. I would also like to recognize the governors wife who is with us today. [applause] general mark milley, the joint chiefs of staff, would like to take this opportunity to pay tribute and be think our veterans for their bravery and sacrifice in service to our nation. We remain indebted to the veterans Whose Service demonstrated the selfless action of the greatest generation who not only served to protect and defend our nation, but were part of the global force to defend peace. Ladies and gentlemen, general mark milley. The greatest generation that took up arms to defend freedom against tyranny fought for something. They fought for a better peace, and from the ashes of the destruction of that terrible war , they established a rulesbased global order rooted in political and economic liberty that has stood for seven decades. My father and mother are part of that generation. My father trained here in hawaii and from here, made the assault jimangs at saipan and iwo with the Fourth Marine Division while my mother served at a Navy Hospital in seattle, taking care of the wounded, coming back from the pacific theater. I often reflect on my Parents Service and the lessons i take from their example have shaped my views on this nations place in the world. My parents instilled in me a sense of service and understanding of how lucky i am to be an american. How lucky i was to grow up in a country where we have freedoms of speech, press, religion, and other all and all the other rights. Today, those with firsthand knowledge of world war ii are becoming fewer and fewer, so we all must never forget the horrific cost and the sacrifices of those that went before us. As the chairman of the joint chiefs of staff, on behalf of every soldier, sailor, airman, marine, coast guard, more than 2. 3 million of us that wear the uniform, we extend our sincerest thanks to our world war ii veterans for granting us the gift of freedom and we renew our commitment to preserve the constitution and the values you fought so hard to preserve. [applause] we are honored to have one of our blue leadership blue live today,ership cochairs americas oldest and Largest Military combatant command. Officer, he warfare has deployed across the globe in destroyers, cruisers, and aircraft carriers and held u. S. Nd at every level, the indo pacific command, he is responsible for all military activities in the indo pacific, covering 36 nations, 14 time zones, and more than 50 of the world population. Worlds population. [applause] aloha and good morning. I would like to begin by thanking all the members of the 75th world war ii Commemoration Committee for bringing these phenomenal events together in this environment. We are honored today to have the secretary of defense with us to commemorate the occasion as well as his wife. Thank you, we are grateful you could both be here today. I would like to thank general milley for joining us virtually and for his remarks. Of course, thank you, governor ige, for your inspiring words. They underscore the significance of the state of hawaiis relationship with our armed forces. As we celebrate the anniversary of the end of world war ii in the pacific, we remain forever indebted to our world war ii veterans. They helped defend the world from tyranny. We are honored that those from hawaii, some of those same veterans, could join us today in person with many more joining us virtually. Indeed, the rest of them are here with us in spirit. Boasts signal of strength and symbol of peace, owes much of its legacy to the 33rd president , harry truman. It was hardly a surprise when president truman selected the uss missouri as a site to officially end the war. The proud missouri natives only child margaret served as this ships sponsor and president at the ships christening and attended her commissioning. One can only imagine how president truman hoped the pride and joy of his home state would live on in the hearts and minds of americans for years to come. Ive mentioned this for two reasons. First, to highlight that the mighty mo, this Iconic Museum today, is the epitome of the arsenal of democracy. Men and honoring the women of our greatest generation who supported the war effort in factories and shipyards. Of course, the second reason is to provide a clear reminder of how the history of september 2, 1945 lives on. September 2 is the day the United States and our allies turned tragedy into triumph, violence into victory, fighting liberty,dom, loss into and peril into peace. A day that marks the very beginning of the rulesbased International Order, and order responsible for 75 years of peace, prosperity, and security that helps to not only liberate hundreds of millions, but to lift billions out of poverty and all to a level of prosperity previously unseen in human history. The postwar period of Regional Peace and stability must not be taken for granted. Today, the world faces great challenges, you heard governor ige talk about the coronavirus. Emboldenedd communist party of china seeks to change the world to one in which Chinese National power is more important than international law. Beijing is using a whole of Party Approach to coerce, corrupt, and contest the rulesbased International Order. As we address the strategic threat of china and the other security challenges throughout the region, the memory of our greatest generation lives on, it lives on in our soldiers, our sailors, airmen, marines, and because guardsmen today. Day, we remember our world war ii heroes and pay tribute to them by continuing to defend the values of a free indo pacific, to keep america, our allies, and our partners free from tyranny and defend our inalienables, our rights of life, liberty, and pursuit of happiness. May god bless all the veterans of world war ii, the men and women of the armed forces, the state of hawaii, and may god bless the United States of america. Thank you. [applause] we are joined today by the secretary of defense, mark esper. Ofretary esper is a graduate the United States military academy at west point, harvard university, and George Washington university. Ands a gulf war veteran former infantry officer hayward from the moment he assumed office in 2019, secretary esper has been run legless in implementing our National Defense strategy and he remains committed to focusing the department of defense on the indo pacific theater. He joins us today in the midst of his travels to engage with allies and partners, observe military exercises, meet with our Service Members, and to honor our veterans. Ladies and gentlemen, it is my honor to introduce our keynote speaker, the secretary of defense, dr. Mark esper. [applause] sec. Esper aloha, everyone, and thank you for joining us on this special day. Thank you, admiral davidson, for that introduction. Thank you, general milley, for your words. For theu, governor ige, warm welcome and hospitality. Trump,lf of president thank you all for being here today. It is my great honor to be on the deck of this historic ship as we commemorate the 75th anniversary of the end of world war ii in commemorate and reflect on the sacrifices and victories of our Service Members and allies who helped fight for and secure peace. I would like to extend a special welcome to the members of the greatest generation here with us this morning whose stories of courage and heroism are forever etched into our nations part and history. It is because of your service and your sacrifice that we live in peace and prosperity today and it is your legacy that inspires us in our efforts to uphold the freedoms and values for which you so nobly fought. Thank you all very much. [applause] sec. Esper it is fitting that we are gathered on uss missouri with a conflict in the pacific came to an end on this day in 1945. This ship, which was built for more, has since been dedicated to peace and reconciliation. Wherets in the harbor more than 2400 americans paid the ultimate price nearly eight decades ago at the beginning of world war ii. This morning, we pay tribute to all those we lost on that date in 1941 and to the millions more who demonstrated our collective resolve and commitment to freedom in the years of war and hardship that followed. We remember heroes like floyd welch, an electrician who helped save the lives of more than 30 sailors trapped in the sinking uss oklahoma. He cut holes in the ships hall, freeing the sailors without igniting fuel cells. Sailors like the namesake of the newest aircraft carrier, he assisted his captain , mandanss West Virginia antiaircraft gun, and with no formal training, blunted the onslaught of enemy fighters and bombers. Since then, the memory of these men and those we lost in the attack on december 7 has served as a reminder of the consequences of war, the human toll and tragedy, the debt paid in freedoms name, and the imperative of remaining vigilant. Millions ofhe war, our countrymen answered the call with great courage and selflessness. Americans of all faiths, races, and ethnicities, from all walks of life and vocation, which the , from rich to poor cities, suburbs, farms, they left behind loved ones, men and women alike, sailed across oceans, and joint allies in a desperate fight for liberty. From the desert of tunisia to the islands of midway and from the beaches of normandy to the , thesef iwo jima patriots stood arm in arm and shoulder to shoulder with our allies, determined to achieve victory no matter how long it took. Front,le, on the Home Millions of other americans served as defense volunteers learning the essential skills such as first aid, air defense, and firefighting. Many more bought war bonds, rash consumer goods, and recycled scarce materials. Entrepreneurs, production workers transformed Assembly Lines into the arsenal of democracy, ensuring military production kept pace with the needs of our soldiers, sailors, airmen, marines, and coast guardsmen and most importantly, though often separated by great distances and challenges, the American People forced an unbreakable commitment to the cause of liberty, one that lives on to this day. Inflectioni was an point for the history of our nation and for humanity at large. Againstal fight oppression cost 70 million lives and caused unimaginable loss for the United States and our allies. Virtually no household was left untouched by the scale or scope of its destruction. The human toll of the deadliest conflict in history to the creation of a new world out of the bubble of the old, one that began with Imperial Japans surrender on this ship 75 years ago. The war altered the global balance of power and reshaped the International Order and award the one led by likeminded nations grounded by shared values that prepared them well for a decades long struggle against soviet communism that would soon follow. In the aftermath of world war ii, the United States assumed the mantle and responsibility of leadership, recognizing that the atlantic and Pacific Oceans would no longer protect us from conflicts started abroad, from ideologies with hegemonic ambitions, or from governments with maligned intentions. It was americas time to lead and we did so, are guided by our founding principles and core values. The United States rose to the challenge, we built relationships with likeminded nations based on reciprocal traits, not predatory economics, based on respect for the sovereignty of all countries, not a strategy of my mixed rights, based on a commitment to honoring our international obligations, not just when they serve our interests, and most importantly, based on our values and beliefs. The result was todays International Rulesbased order provided security and prosperity to billions around the world for over a halfcentury. It set new standards and protocols when it comes to trade and diplomacy. It raised the bar when it comes to human rights and individual freedoms and it created new expectations regarding the use of force and the way countries should treat one another. In the face of new challenges to this free and open order, we are working to build a broader coalition of partners, one that includes both longtime friends and former adversaries to the gains of generations past and present, especially in the pacific. We share an important goal, defending the principles that benefit us all, democracy, liberty, sovereignty, human rights, mutual respect, and the rule of law. We continue to forge new partnerships and strengthen our existing ones. With japan,iances south korea, and australia to our collaboration with india, new zealand, and the pacific , growing, deepening, and unifying this network must remain central to our strategy to ensure peace and prosperity for another 75 years and beyond. We welcome every nation, especially those who have benefited from todays international system, to join us in this effort. For decades, the United States and our partners have based our todayson the fact that open beliefs are worth fighting for and while the system has remained largely intact, we cannot take it for granted or leave its future up to chance. Together, we are committed to improving it and remain betty to defend it and remain ready to defend it, much like the greatest veneration did greatest generation did. 75 years ago, the American Naval hero admiral chester nimitz sent a message to Pacific Fleet regarding the end of the war. He reflected on the cost of victory in our obligation to the fallen, which was in his words, the obligation to ensure that their sacrifice will help make this a better and safer world in which to live. Our work continues in the spirit, we honor the legacy of those you came before us and recommit ourselves to defending todays International Rules and norms so that the world is safer and is better for generations yet to come. This means embracing the importance of what president reagan called peace through strength and building a military and Alliance Structure to match that imperative. The United States commitment is the same one we made to the world in 1941. That we will remain ready to defend any friend and that we will safeguard our values and all that we hold dear at every turn and every place. We will not back down and we will not yield. Precious and the sacrifice of those who came before us is too great. Thank you once again for commemorating this historic anniversary with us today. May god bless the members of the greatest generation in all of our veterans, Service Members, and allies across the globe and may god bless the United States of america. Thank you. [applause] thank you, secretary esper. I would like to acknowledge his wife, who is joining us. Thank you, admiral davidson, i would also like to acknowledge your wife, who was with us today. There is a third reason why the davidsons are fond of this ship, they are both from missouri. Ship. This shipyard aboard ther 2, 1945, new battleship, uss missouri, and before representatives of nine allied nations, the empire of japan signed an agreement that formalized the end of hostilities and world war ii. In honoring of our shared history, the following nations one placed reads on the deck the uss missouri in a sign of respect and should be to the men and women who lost their lives during world war ii. , canada, france, myanmar,ermany, japan, new zealand, the philippines, singapore,ussia, south korea, united kingdom, and the United States of america. Offering flowers is a ritual that occurs around the world symbolizing the beauty and brevity of life as we honor the past, let us remember that what defines our relationships with our allies and partners is a deeprooted usual trust, friendship, and cooperation. With our commitment and sacrifice during world war ii that established the foundations of the free and open indo pacific that benefits all nations today. As we look to secure our future, let us reaffirm our commitment to maintain a peaceful and prosperous world. We now wish to remember those Service Members who made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of our country and to the freedoms that all of us enjoy. I would like to ask all of you who are able to please stand for this portion of the program as we pay tribute to all fallen Service Members, first with a moment of silence followed by a rifle salute. [indiscernible] ready, aim, fire. [gunshots] [indiscernible] thank you, please be seated. As our ceremony draws to a close, we think you all for joining us to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the end of world war ii. Thank you to our guest speakers, governor ige, admiral davidson, secretary esper, and a special thanks to our 75th world war ii commemoration sponsors including the bob hope legacy as part of the bob and Dolores Hope Foundation who made the vision and commitment of this ceremony possible. It gives me great pleasure to share a message from linda hope of the bob hope legacy, representing the bob and Dolores Hope Foundation. Their support of the world war ii 75th commemoration ensures that the legacy of all veterans continues to inspire and motivate our children. Those who are destined to lead our future. World war ii was a pivotable moment in world history. When the freedom of the world was threatened, millions of americans rose to its defense. They fought in combat in europe, north africa, and the pacific, helped build the arsenal of democracy in our factories, oured the spirits of troops, as my dad and many of his fellow entertainers did. Everyone played a role in achieving victory and establishing peace. With a small band of performers traveled to bases around the globe to entertain our Service Members, visiting hospitals and installations and theaters of war in europe and the south pacific. Travel to those locations was grueling and the conditions upon arrival were often dangerous. Yet those were the shows most near and dear to bobs heart and to the hearts of the hundreds of thousands of troops who never forgot the taste of home and hope he brought them. Years sinceorate 75 the end of world war ii, we salute our Service Members and the Everyday Americans who contributed to the war effort theireir aerobic actions, patriotism still inspires us and will continue to inspire americans forever. We promise to carry their stories forward, instilling in our future leaders a new appreciation for the sacrifices made by the entire generation that truly defined the spirit of america. We would like to thank all of our veterans who protected our country and its people as well as the men and women who i currently serving in the armed forces for displaying commitment to duty at all times. And yourn honors you continued perseverance to protect our freedoms. Here at the battleship missouri memorial, we stand with you and remain dedicated to upholding the values confirmed on this day 75 years ago. Please stand for the benediction by the captain. Let us pray. God, we have commemorated this morning, the 75th anniversary of the end of the Second World War on this battleship. We remember those who served their country with distinction during years of hardfought battles on the sea, under the sea, on land, and in the sky. We remember those who gave the ultimate sacrifice not only for the country but for the friends fighting at their side in for the freedoms that we still hold most dear. God, for the inspiration of those who went before us the right may we leave this place with a greater appreciation of the example set for us by the veterans that fought valiantly throughout the Second World War. We also thank you for peace, a peace that we seek to preserve so as we leave this site, grant us your peace and blessing. And your holy name we pray, amen. Thank you. Please be seated. It gives me great pleasure to introduce ed hawkins of the city and county of honolulu on behalf of the city of not coca. We will see fireworks that relaunched last night as a gift from japan. Honolulu, they of admiral planned the attack on pearl harbor. The city was devastated by american bombers in world war ii. These fireworks are to underscore peace and reconciliation between japan and the United States since the end of world war ii. Three moon shaped fireworks will be launched. First, in honor of the greatest generation, those who served, who brought peace to the world through their sacrifice. Second, in honor of all those who gave their last full measure of service, who made their gave their lives to secure the peace that we enjoy today. Third, hope for continued peace in the world and for the future of our children and our childrens children so that they may enjoy the blessings of peace and freedom. For joining us, if i could ask that you wait for our world war ii veterans to exit first and then proceed after them. These proceedings are closed. [applause] [captions Copyright National cable satellite corp. 2020] [captioning performed by the national captioning institute, which is responsible for its caption content and accuracy. Visit ncicap. Org] this is American History tv on cspan3, where we feature 48 hours of programs exploring our past. Let me begin with this pandemic and how it impacted the museum and your division in particular. Alexandra