Veterans, other distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen, aloha and welcome to the battleship memorial here at historic pearl harbor. It is 9 02 am, the moment 75 years ago in the ceremony began on the 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. First and 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 stand if you are able, and remain standing. Please hold your applause until the end so we honor them collectively for their service, courage, and sacrifice. Victor, oscar, walter, jack, paul newman, wendell newman, theodore richardson, arthur shaq, lumbered why, 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. Julio ramon, arthur, raymond, frederico, and william. Next, i want to recognize our world war ii veterans who made plans to travel from the mainland 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] please recognize them. Now i would like to take a moment to share a message from bob and elizabeth dole, cochair persons of the 75th commemoration of the and 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 hope. As 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 greatest qualities which human us are capable, courage beyond measure, loyalty beyond words, sacrifice, ingenuity, and endurance beyond imagining. The attack on this harbor echoed across the ocean to the mainland, bringing 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. If they 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. The world war ii generation eliminated one of the greatest threats to peace that the world had ever known and incredibly, that was not all. They showed future generations the sacrifices we must 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 a certainty and despair, there is tremendous hope. The selflessness. America can always find a way. May god forever bless the United States of america. Bob and elizabeth dole. [applause] next please join me in welcoming the cochairs of the World War Ii Committee and other members of the committee, please stand we began todays ceremony at 9 02 am, which was the time when the surrender ceremony began to bring an end to the most destructive war in world history. A cloudy and dreary moment in tokyo bay, perfect weather for a somber ceremony. 250 allied warships circled the representing ten nation whose forces fought in the war. Top military leaders from the allied forces and Imperial Japan gathered aboard this baking a person battleship. The uss missouri crew members were jammed together on the dex. Everyone wanting to witness history being made, the world was listening and watching as well. Dozens of news outlets, journalists, recorded the ceremony and captured each moment for future generations to remember for alltime. Now if you are able, please rise for the parading of the colors and remain standing for the performance of our National Anthem. Colors will be administered by the Pacific Command on our guard. Our National Anthem will be performed, along with music by the United StatesPacific Fleet band and the Marine Corps Forces band, somebody julius. Todays also at celebrated day in hawaiis history. On this day, september 2nd, 1938. The queen was born. Choose the last and only sovereign monarch of the wine kingdom. Lets prayed the colors. Forward march. Left, left, left right left. Left, left, left right left. Left, left, left light left left right left. Left, left, left right left. music 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 rocketsred 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 . music music music music music music ready, left. Forward. March. Detail, holte. Forward face. Forward march. Left, left, left, right, left. Left, left, left, right, left. All. , its ready for due to. Casado ready to. Forward, left, left, left, right, left, left, left, left, left, right, left. Forward march, detail, what. Forward face. Forward march. Left, left, left, right, left. Offering the prayer this is arlene. There she is. Born september 2, 1838. Known as a prolific songwriter, a hymn written by the queen. Known as the queens prayer, march 22, 1895. While imprisoned. She asked for the lords protection, mercy, and lovingkindness. And forgiveness of those who wronged her. Peace will be our wish now and forever more. music music music thank you. Please be seated. 75 years, ago the japanese delegation had no idea what to expect a burning u. S. Missouri, signed the formal documents japans Unconditional Surrender to the allied forces. For nearly four years, the war raged in a series of epic, ferocious battles on, land at sea and in the air. The United States of japan will feel by deep hatred for each other. Foreign minister and the rest of the japanese delegations to cross from Douglas Mcarthur as he signed the surrender. As the Supreme Commander of the allied forces. And the following countries also signed in this order. Admiral for the United States, in general sue hunting for china. Admiral frazier for the knit kingdom. For the united kingdom. General thomas for australia. Colonel lawrence cause grief for canada. General philip from france. For the netherlands, and leonard from new zealand. The ceremony though, was not one of vengeance and hatred. Instead the japanese delegation woodward advocating for lasting peace, that would plant the seeds for bond and friendship that has grown stronger with each generation. But the rest of the world is listening intently, mcarthur not only ended the bilious world war in history but he also set the tone for peace and friendship between the u. S. And japan the continually face leader. We will now play a video of general mcarthurs remarks. I encourage you to listen carefully to his chosen, words and imagine the significance of their meeting with our delivered, just days after the pending had ended. It is my earnest hope, indeed the hope of all mankind, from this solemn occasion, a better world shall emerge out of the blood and carnage of the past. You a world founded upon fiddle understanding. A world dedicated to the dignity of man, and his most cherished wish for freedom, tolerance, and justice. A Supreme Commander for the allied powers, i announced my from purpose, and the tradition of the countries that i represent, to proceed in the discharge of my responsibilities, with justice and tolerance, while taking all necessary dispositions to ensure that the terms of surrender are fully, promptly, and faithfully complied with. Let us pray that peace be now restored to the world, and that god will preserve it always. These proceedings are closed. These proceedings are closed. With those four powerful words, the deadliest word came to an end. The conclusion of the ceremony, over 900 fighters and bombers that had been in the air over tokyo they drop down and flew over the missouri. Fighting for peace came with heavy sacrifices for all. We would like to offer our eternal gratitude for the memory of those who fought so bravely for them to make their freedoms we enjoy today possible. Today we gather and what was once used for war, but has evolved into a alter of peace and reconciliation. I would like to call upon steve, chairman of the board of directors of the uss Memorial Association and the culture of the 75th Commemoration Committee to safety remarks and introduce our first guest speaker. In 2000, six steve retired as a cabinet and one of his career highlights include serving aboard the uss during Operation Desert Storm as the operation officers, escorted uss missouri in combat operations in support of the grand war and witnessed a mighty battleships 60 gun firing. Steve also served as president of the hawaii division. Please welcome steve. [applause] thank you eric. The ship looks great. You should be very proud to recruit. Mister secretary, governor, general, officers distinguished visitors, and most importantly, our world war ii veterans, welcome and aloha. On behalf of the uss 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. But first, tom 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. My good friend and mentor, predecessor, tim, served in this organization for 25 years. He was our chairman since 2014. You this passion for the misery pushed us, encouraged us to ensure the mighty mail would be a memorial we would all be proud of. I know how badly kim wanted to be part of this ceremony, and it still saddens me that we lost him before that could happen. Tim, we miss you. I know you are here with us though, in spirit. I cant tell you how proud i am of the job our crew members have done to get this ship ready for you today. Those of you who are here with us are witnessing it first hand, and i hope those watching from their homes can get an idea of the remarkable condition of this historic vessel. Our crew members are committed to preserving this iconic battleship, and sharing her story and place in our nations history. And what a story that is. 75 years ago today, the ship was witness to arguably the most important surrender in our worlds history. To our missouri staff and volunteers, well done on getting her ready for the special occasion, we are grateful for the dedication and commitment for sharing that uss missouri story and her place in history. I know the six months have been trying on you and i have to tell you that Going Forward we will be sailing into some rough seas. But 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 war ii cochair, as well as all of our Committee Members who are here and watching for the hard work of planning these events. It has been a very challenging environment, bravo to all of you. Tour world war ii veterans here in watching from afar, we once again remember and thank you for the sacrifices that you meet. We will never forget and we will always honor your service. Im so lets go ahead and hear from her distinguished guests will joined us today. First up will be governor who will help reflect and remember on that day in tokyo and how it resonates for all of us. Both ian admiral davidson served as the 75th world war ii Commemoration Committee cochairs. I was honored to be serving with both of you. Governor is the eighth governor of the state of hawaii, first governor and hes 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 me give a warm welcome to governor david egan. [applause] good morning. It is my honor to welcome everyone both here and across the de shun and the world to the u. S. As missouri. On this day, on this tech, 75 years ago we marked the end in the Pacific Theater of a great global war that touched every man, woman, and child of my parents generation. The war took the lives of so many on all sides, leaving a vacuum in the roles of those who could have been and should have been our scientists, teachers, community leaders, farmers and shopkeepers. 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. Victory came at a high price, paid by those who suffered and died on the front lines as well as by those who endured hardship and uncertainty on the home front. It was won by an abiding belief in freedom and democracy and by the strength of character, courage and resilience that defied all odds. It was won by a generation defined as the greatest, not only by what they achieved and more but by the peace and prosperity they created after. Their legacy is of hope and world order, and they pass this on to all of us. Late senator, my own father who served in a regimen combat team, they return home to fulfill the promise of citizenship and contribute to a life where all things are possible for everyone. Like you, i stand on the shoulders of all of these men and women and can stake my claim to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness because of their actions. With after the war, they transformed their fight against tyranny into a life based on the Democratic Values and purpose, showing us that democracy must not only be defended at all costs but live along all venues by you and me doing what we do each and every day with. That is the towards. 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 remembrance has been dramatically scaled back from the original plans because of the ongoing pandemic. And perhaps that is for the best. In moments like these we tend to get caught up in the pomp and circumstance and sometimes forget the real reason why we gather all of these veterans. Moreover, we tend to toss the label hero around freely these days, but these veterans truly exemplify the strictest definition of heroic. Their actions stand up to the rigor and rigid test of the heroic and their 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. Would i do know is that we cannot go wrong in following their example in the face of any diversity. Their courage under fire, strength of character, resilience overtime provides a clear roadmap for us to follow in all that we do, whether we are fighting social injustice or a virus. And so, there remains only one thing left for us to say to them. Thank you. Thank you. [applause] and we pray they grasp the depth of those words and the immensity of our depth. God bless you all, thank you, and aloha. Thank you governor, i would also like to recognize the governors wife who is with us today. [applause] general mark milley, the 20th chairman of the joint chiefs of staff would like to take this opportunity to pay tribute and think our world war ii veterans for their bravery and sacrifice in service to our nation. We remain indebted to the veterans who service demonstrated the selfless action of the greatest generation, who not only serve to protect 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 landings at saipan and iwo jima 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 parentsservice 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 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 won over a blue ribbon leadership cochairs here today. Commander of u. S. IndoPacific Command, americas oldest and Largest Military combat in command. As a Surface Warfare officer, he has deployed across the globe in destroyers, cruisers, and aircraft carriers and held command at every level. The u. S. IndoPacific Command is responsible for all u. S. Military activities in the, covering 36 nations, 14 time zones, and more than 50 of the worlds population. Ladies and gentlemen, admiral phil davidson. 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. This battleship 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 the formal site to officially end the war. After all, the proud missouri natives only child margaret served as this ships sponsor. And president truman spoke at this ships christening and also 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 important reasons, first, to highlight that the mighty mo, this iconic American Museum is the epitome of the arsenal of democracy that will lead us to victory. In part, honoring the men and women of our greatest generation who supported the war effort in factories and shipyards across the country. And of course, the second reason is to provide a clear reminder of how the history of september 2nd, 1945 lives. On september 2nd is the day that the United States and our allies turned tragedy into triumph, violence into victory, fighting into freedom, lawson to liberty, and peril into peace. It helps to liberate not just hundreds of millions, but lift billions out of poverty and all to a level of prosperity previously unseen in human history. Certainly the post period of peace and stability must not be taken for granted. Today, the world faces great challenges. You heard talk about the coronavirus pandemic. But as well, an emboldened communist party of china seeks to change the world, the 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 rules Beast International order. Today as we address the strategic threat of china and the absolute security challenges throughout the region, the memory of our greatest generation looks on. And lives on in our soldiers, our, sailors, airman, marines and our coast guardsman today. Each and every day, we remember our world war ii heroes, and we pay tribute to them by continued to defend the values of a free and open indopacific, to keep america, our allies and partners free from tyranny, and defend our shared values, our inalienable rights of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Mega blood all the veterans of the world work to. The men and women of the armed forces, the state of why, and indeed me god bless the United States of america. Thank you. [applause] that was a mentioned before, we are joined today by the secretary of defense, doctor mark esper. Esper is a graduate of the United States military academy at west point, harvard washington university, George Washington university. Hes a gulf war veteran and former infantry officer from the moment he assumed office in 2019, secretary esper has been relentless and implementing our National Defense strategy and he remains committed to focusing on the department of defense on the indoPacific 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 of course to honor our veterans. Ladies and gentlemen, it is my honor to introduce our keynote speaker, the 22nd secretary of defense, the honorable mark esper. [applause] hello everyone, and thank you for joining us on the special day. Thank, you admiral davidson for that kind introduction. Thank you general milley for your words. And thank you governor uk, for the warm welcome and hospitality. On behalf of president trump, thank you all for being here today. Its 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. Commemorate, and reflect and the sacrifices and victories of our Service Members and allies, who helped fight for and secure peace. I would like to extend a very special welcome to the members of the greatest generation, here with us this morning, whose remarkable stories of courage and heroism are forever etched into our nations heart in history. Its because of your Selfless Service and your sacrifices 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 nobody thought. Thank you very much. [applause] its fitting that were gathered here today, because where the conflict in the pacific came to an end on the state, in 1945. This ship, which was built for, work has since been dedicated to peace and reconciliation. It now rests in the very herbert were more than 2400 americans paid the ultimate price nearly addictive ago, at the beginning of world war ii. This morning we pay tribute to all those to be lost on the infamous date until 1941, and to the millions more who demonstrated our collective resolve and commitment to freedom in the years of war of hardship. We remember heroes like and the litter just me to help to the left of more than 30 sailors trapped in the sinking uss oklahoma. He cut holes in his ship, freeing the sailors. We honor sailors like cory miller, the namesake of the newest Navy Aircraft carrier, he helped his wounded captain aboard the uss virginia. But with no formal training, went on to the onslaught of enemy fighters. Since, then the memory of these men and those that we lost in the attack on december 7th has served as a troubled reminder of the consequences for the human pool and tragedy, the debt paid in freedoms name, and the imperative of remaining vigilant. Throughout the war, our countrymen called the nations call with great courage and selflessness. Americans of all faith, races, and ethnicities, from all walks of life and vocation, the, rich the poor, from all corners of the country, from cities, to suburbs, the farms, they left their loved ones behind, men and women alike, sailed across oceans in a desperate fight for liberty. From the desert of tunisia shot to the islands of midway, from the beaches of normandy, to the hills of , these intrepid patriots stood arm in arm and shoulder to shoulder with our allies, determined to achieve total victory no matter how long it took. Meanwhile, on the home front, millions of other americans served as defense volunteers learning the central skills such as first, aid it, offense and firefighting. Many more brought war bonds, rush 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, airman, marines, and coast guardsmen. And most importantly, though often separated by great distances and different challenges, the American People forged and unbreakable commitment to the cause of liberty, one that looks on to this day. World war ii was Inflection Point for the history of our great nation, and for humanity at large. The global fight against tyranny and oppression customer than 70 million lives. It caused an imaginable loss for the United States and our allies. Virtually no household was left untouched by the skill, or scope of its want tint destruction. The human toll of the deadliest conflict in history let the creation of a new world, out of the rubble of the old. It began with Imperial Japan surrendered on this trip, 75 years ago. The war fundamentally altered the global balance of power, and we international order, led by like minded nations granted by shared values that prepare them well for a decades long struggle against soviet communism, that would soon follow. And the aftermath of world war ii, the United States assume the mantle and responsibility of leadership. Recognizing that the atlantic in Pacific Oceans would no longer protect us from conflict started abroad. From ideologies with a demonic ambitions, or from governments with maligned intentions. It was americas time to lead, and we did, so guided by our founding principles and core families. The United States wrote to the challenge. We build relationships withnkim likeminded nations based on reciprocal traits, not predatory economics. Based on respect for the sovereignty of all countries, not a strategy of right mix right. Based on a commitment to honoring all international obligations, not just when they serve our interests. And most important, based on our enduring values and beliefs. The result was todays International Rules based order that has provided security, prosperity, the billions of people around the world for over half a century. It set new standards and particles when it comes to matters of trade and diplomacy. It raise the bar when it comes to human rights, and individual freedoms, and it created new expectations regarding the use of force, and the weak countries should treat one another. Today, in the face of new challenges to this free and open order, we are working to build even broader coalition partners. One that includes both longtime friends and former adversaries, to protect the hardfought gains of generations past and present, especially in the pacific. We share an important goal. Defending the sacred principles that benefit us all. Democracy, liberty, sovereignty, human rights, mutual respect, and the rule of law. To do, so we continued to forge new partnerships, and strengthen our existing once. From our alliances with japan, south korea, and australia, to hourlong cooperation with countries india, new zealand, and the Pacific Island countries. Growing, deepening, and unifying this network must remain central to our collective strategy to ensure peace, and prosperity for another 75 years, and beyond. We welcome every nation. Especially those who have benefited most from todays international system, to join us in this effort. For decades, they need states and our partners have bitter efforts on the belief that todays free and open order is worth fighting for. While the system has largely remained intact, we cannot take it for granted, or future up the chance. That is why, together, we are committed to improving it and remain ready to defend it. Much like the greatest generation did when history called 75 years ago, the Greek American naval hero admiral chester amid sent a message to the Pacific Fleet regarding that of the. Were you reflected on the heavy cost of a victory, and our obligations in the fall, which was in his words the obligation to ensure that the sacrifice will help make this a better and safer world in which to live. Our work today continues in the, spirit as we look at the path ahead we under the legacy of those who 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 Ronald Reagan called peace through strength, and billeting a military and a line structure to match that imperative. United states commitment to the world today is the same one we made it to the world in 1941. But we will remain ready to fight any, full and defend any friend. And that we will safeguard our values, and all will be healthier at every time and every. Place we will not back down and we will not yield. Freedom is far too precious and sacrifice, of those who came before us is far too great. Ladies and gentlemen, thank you once again for commemorating this historic anniversary with us today. May god bless the members of the greatest generation, and all of our veterans, Service Members, and allies across the globe, and may god bless the United States of america. Thank youy [applause] ed