Memorial and museum docked at pearl harbor in honolulu. Up next, the 75th Anniversary Ceremony aboard the ship. 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 when this ceremony began 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 to be your 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 as your name is called and remain standing. Please hold your applause until the end so we honor them collectively for their service, courage, and sacrifice. Victor, oscar, walter, counter on, paul newman, when dole newman, theodore richardson, arthur shack. Lamberts and joseph yang. Ladies and gentlemen, our world war ii veterans. [applause] the following world to veterans also call hawaii home, but they were not a bill to join us in person today. I would like to take a moment to recognize him 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 here today, on the battleship memorial. Including 14 veterans who witnessed the ceremony on september 2nd, 1945. The heroes were unable to travel due to concerns for the health, due to the covid19 virus. We were very satin, to have to make that call, but it was done for the sake of their health. We are honored to have many other dignitaries joining us this morning that i would like to recognize that this time. Please hold your applause until all the parties have been mentioned. Governor david ige, who will be offering the ceremonies. Today our distinguished speaker, the commander. Delivering the keynote address for todays ceremony, secretary mark esper, the u. S. Secretary of defense. Please recognize them. [applause] now i would like to take a moment to share a message from senator bob and elizabeth, gold honourary cochair persons of the 75th commemoration of world war ii. This is their message. When we were invited to cochair todays commemoration, surrounded by the Sacred Waters of pearl harbor, we knew only the most extraordinary circumstances would keep us from joining you in person. Like everyone, whenever imagined such circumstances would come to pass. Please know our hearts are with you this morning, and despite the distance, we are honored to cochair this momentous occasion, alongside our dear friend, linda hope. As a combat wounded soldier, the youngest sister of a survivor, and two proud advocates for our veterans. Their 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 humans are capable of, courage beyond measure, loyalty beyond words, sacrifice, ingenuity, and endurance beyond imagining. The attack on this harbor echoed across the ocean to the mainland, and ringing from coast to coast, as a great call to action. When that 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 their 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 gave to our nation. They showed future generations the sacrifices we must sometimes make to preserve and protect freedom. They demonstrate the insurmountable odds our country can overcome when we act as one. Most importantly, they provided that even in moments darkened by uncertainty and despair, there is tremendous hope. Through unitity, 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 75th World War Ii Committee. General daryl wong, and steven colon, and other members of the committee, please stand. [applause] we began todays commemoration ceremony at 9 02 am, which was a time when the surrender ceremonies began. To bring an end to the most destructive war in world history. On september 2nd, 1945, i was a, cloudy dreary moaning on tokyo bay. Perfect weather for such a somber ceremony. More than 250 allied warships, encircled the missouri with over 900 fighters and bombers in the air. Representing ten nations, whose forces fought in the war. Top military leaders from the allied forces, and Imperial Japan gathered aboard this magnificent battleship. Uss missouri crew members were jammed together on the dex, on all levels, everyone wanted to witness history being made. The world was listening and watching as well, as dozens of news outlets and journalists were recording the ceremony and captured each moment for future generations to remember for alltime. Now, if youre 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 u. S. Indopacific command on our guard. Our National Anthem will be performed by emily correctional along with music by the United States specific ban and by the United StatesMarine Forces pacific banned some by julius medina. Todays also a celebration for a day in hawaii history. On this day, september 2nd, 1838, she was born, the last and only queen regiment in the last sovereign monarch of the hawaiian kingdom. Color guard, create the colors. Ford, more. 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 singing in Foreign Language ready, left. Forward. March. Left, left, left right left. Left, left, left right left. Left, left, left right left. Detail, holte. Forward face. Forward march. Left, left, left, right, left. Left, left, left, right, left. Left, left, left, right, left. Detail, holte. Forward face. Forward march. Left, left, left, right, left. Offering the queen spare this morning is marlene sai. Here 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 loving kindness. And forgiveness of those who wronged her. Peace will be our wish now and forever more. music music music singing in a Foreign Language thank you, marlene. Please seated. 75 years ago, the japanese delegation had no idea what to expect upon boarding u. S. Mature, japans Unconditional Surrender to the allied forces. For nearly four years, the war in the pacific had raged as a series of epic, ferocious and brutal battles on land, at sea, and in 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 the instrument of surrender as the supreme command of allied forces. The following countries, signed in this order. General chang for china. Admirable bruce fraser for the united kingdom. Admiral for the united kingdom. General thomas for australia. Colonel lawrence for canada. And general leclerc from france. The tenant for the netherlands, and leonard from new zealand. The ceremony though was not one of vengeance and hatred. Instead the japanese delegation received words advocating for lasting peace would plant the seeds that would grow stronger with each generation. With the rest of the world listening intently, General Macarthur not only brought an end to the war in modern history, he also set the tone for the peace and friendship between the u. S. And japan that continue 75 years later. We will now play video of General Macarthurs remarks from the surrender ceremony. I encourage you to listen carefully to his words, and imagine the significance of the meeting when they were delivered just days after the fighting had ended. It is my earnest hope in the hope of all mankind that from this solemn occasion, a better world shall emerge out of the blood and carnage of the past. A world founded upon understanding faith and understanding, a world dedicated to the dignity of man and his most cherished wish for freedom, tolerance, and justice. As Supreme Commander for the allied powes, i announce that my firm 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 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. With those four powerful words, the deadliest war came to 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 our eternal gratitude for the memory of those who fought ably, often to their death, to make the freedoms we enjoy today possible. Today we gather on once was used as an instrument of war but is instead evolved into an author of peace and reconciliation. I would like to 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 after serving 26 years and one of his career highlights include serving 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 16 inch guns firing. Steve serves as president of the hawaii division. Please welcome steve. [applause] thank you, mike. The ship looks great. You should be very proud of your crew. Mr. Secretary, admiral davidson, governor, flag and general officers, distinguished visitors and most importantly, our world war ii veterans. Welcome and aloha. 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. But first 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, and predecessor, tim, served in this organization for 25 years and was our chairman since 2014. His passion for the missouri pushed us and encouraged us to ensure this would be a memorial we could all be proud of. I know how badly tim wanted to be a part of this ceremony and it still saddens me that we lost him before it could happen. Time, we miss you. I know you are here with us though in spirit. I cannot tell you how proud i am of the job our missouri 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. And what a story that is. 75 years ago today, this ship was witnessed to arguably the 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 to sharing the uss missouri story and her place in history. I know these six months have been trying on you. I have to tell you, going forward, we will sail 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 Committee and cochair as well as all of our Committee Members who are here watching and 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 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 and he is the first governor of 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 ige. [applause] good morning. It is my honor to welcome everyone here and across the nation and the world to the uss missouri. On this day, 75 years ago, we marked the end in the Pacific Theater in the great global war that touched every man, woman, and child of my parents generation, leaving a vacuum in the worlds of those who could have been and should have been, who 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. 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 in war, but by the peace and prosperity they created after. Their legacy is the hope and 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. Like you, 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 and purpose, showing us that democracy must not only be 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. If we study history because it teaches us how to discover where we want to go. I dont have to tell you, that this remembrance has been dramatically scaled back from original plans, because of the ongoing pandemic. And perhaps thats for the best, in moments like these, we tend to get caught up in the circumstances, and sometimes we forget the real reasons why we gather, all of these veterans. Moreover, we tend to top 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 tests of the hero. 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. What i do know, is that we cannot go wrong in following their example, in the face of any adversity. They are courage under fire, strength of gallagher, resilience overtime, provides a clear roadmap for us to follow in all that we do. Whether we are fighting social injustice, or the virus. And so there remains only one thing left for us to say to them, thank you. Thank you. [applause] and we pray the depth of those words, and the immensity of our death. God bless you all, think 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 joint chiefs of staff, would like to take this opportunity to pay tribute and to thank 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, chairman of the joint chief of staff. 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 over seven decades. My father and mother are part of that generation. My father trained here in hawaii, on maui, 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 to this nation and the lessons i take from their example have shaped my views on this nations role and 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 we enjoy on a daily basis. 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 today, 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 honorary blue leadership cochairs today, americas oldest and Largest Military combatant command. As a Surface Warfare officer, admiral davidson has deployed across the globe in destroyers, cruisers, and aircraft carriers and held command at every level, the u. S. Indo pacific command, he is responsible for all u. S. Military activities in the indo pacific, covering 36 nations, 14 time zones, and more than 50 of the world population. Stay ladies and gentlemen, the commander, admiral davidson. [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 moving remarks. Of course, thank you, governor ige, for your inspiring words. They underscore the significance of the state of hawaiis magnificent relationship with our armed forces. As we celebrate the 75th 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 deeply 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. On the historic deck of the u. S. S. Missouri. This battleship boasts signal of strength and symbol of peace, owes much of its legacy to the 33rd president , of the United States, harry truman. It was hardly a surprise when president truman selected the uss missouri as a 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 the ships christening and also attended her commissioning. While 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 Museum today, is the epitome of the arsenal of democracy that will dust the victory. In part, honoring the men and women of our greatest generation who supported the war effort in factories and shipyards across the country. Of course, the second reason is to provide a clear reminder of how the history of september 2, 1945 lives on. September 2nd is the day the United States and our allies turned tragedy into triumph, violence into victory, fighting into freedom, loss into liberty, and peril into peace. A day that marks the very beginning of the rulesbased International Order, an 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. But as well, and emboldened 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, to corrupt, and to contest the rulesbased International Order. Today, as we address the strategic threat of china and the other security challenges throughout the indopacific region, the memory of our greatest generation lives on, it lives on in our soldiers, our sailors, airmen, marines, and our coast guardsmen today. Each and every 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 shared values, our inalienable rights of life, liberty, and a pursuit of happiness. May god bless all the veterans of world war ii, the men and women of the armed forces, the great state of hawaii, and may god bless the United States of america. Thank you. [applause] as i mentioned before, we are joined today by the secretary of defense doctor mark esper. Secretary esper is a graduate of the United States military academy, at west point, harvard university, and George Washington university. He is a proud gulf war veteran, in former Army Infantry officer. From the moment that he assumed office in july of 2019, secretary esper has been read lengthless in implementing our National Defense strategy. And he remains committed to focusing 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 high end military exercises, meet with our Service Members, and to honor our veterans, today. Ladies and gentlemen, it is my honor to introduce our keynote speaker, the secretary of defense, the honourable dr. Mark esper. [applause] aloha, everyone, and thank you for joining us on this special day. Thank you, admiral davidson, for that kind introduction. Thank you, general milley, for your words. Thank you, governor ige, for the warm welcome and hospitality. On behalf of president trump, 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 and 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 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 part and history. It is because of your Selfless 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] it is fitting that we are gathered here today on uss missouri with a conflict in the pacific came to an end on this day in 1945. This ship, which was built for war, has since been dedicated to peace and reconciliation. It now rests in the harbor where 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 infamous 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. With pinpoint precision, he cut holes in the ships hall, freeing the sailors without igniting fuel cells. We honor sailors like the namesake of the newest aircraft carrier, miller assisted his captain aboard uss west virginia, mandan 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 an eternal reminder of the consequences of war, the human toll and tragedy, the debt paid in freedoms name, and the imperative of remaining ever vigilant. Throughout the war, millions of our countrymen answered the nations call with great courage and selflessness. Americans of all faiths, races, and ethnicities, from all walks of life and vocation, rich to poor, from cities, suburbs, farms, they left behind their loved ones, men and women alike, sailed across oceans, and joined 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 hills of iwo jima, these 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 Civil Defense volunteers learning the essential skills such as first aid, air defense, and firefighting. Many more bought war bonds, rationed consumer goods, and recycled scarce materials. Entrepreneurs, innovators and 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 different challenges, the American People forced an unbreakable commitment to the cause of liberty, one that lives on to this day. World war ii was an Inflection Point for the history of our great nation and for humanity at large. The global fight against tynnary and 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 led 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 fundamentally altered the global balance of power and reshaped the International Order and 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 the 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, guided by our founding principles and core values. The United States rose to the challenge, we built relationships with likeminded nations based on reciprocal trade, not predatory economics, based on respect for the sovereignty of all countries, not a strategy of might mixed rights, based on a commitment to honoring our international obligations, not just when they serve our interests, and most importantly, based on our enduring values and beliefs. The result was todays International Rulesbased order that has provided security and prosperity and stability to billions around the world for over a halfcentury. It set new standards and protocols when it comes to matters of 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. Today, 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 protect the hard fought 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 continue to forge new partnerships and strengthen our existing ones. From our alliances with japan, south korea, and australia to our long collaboration with 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, the United States and our partners have based our efforts on the beliefs on the fact that todays 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. That is why, together, we are committed to improving it and remain ready to defend it, much like the greatest generation did. 75 years ago, the Great American naval hero admiral chester nimitz sent a message to Pacific Fleet regarding the end of the war. He reflected on the heavy cost of victory in our obligation to the fallen, which was in his words, the obligation to ensure that their sacrifice will help to make this a better and safer world in which to live. Our work continues in the spirit, as we look to the path ahead, 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 Statescommitment to the world today is the same one we made to the world in 1941. That we will remain ready to fight any foe and 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. Freedom is far too precious to do otherwise and the sacrifice of those who came before us is 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 you. [applause] thank you peter asper, for today, i would also like to acknowledge his wife law, whos joining us this morning. And thank you, admiral davidson, i would also like to acknowledge your wife, tracy, who is also with us today. There is actually a third reason why the davidsons are so fond of this ship, thats because they are both from st. Louis, missouri. As such, they love this trip. On an early sunday morning, on september 2nd, 1945, aboard the new 45,000 ton pound battleship uss missouri, and before representatives of nine alassad nations, the empire of japan signed a written agreement, that formalized at the end of hostilities and world war ii. In honoring of our shared history, the following nations have placed wreaths on the deck of the uss missouri, as a sign of respect, and tribute, to the men and women who lost their lives during world war ii. Australia, canada, friends, federal germany, japan, myanmar, new zealand, the philippines, portugal, russia, singapore, south korea, the 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 would defines our relationships with our allies and partners, is a deep rooted usual trust mutual trust, friendship, support, and cooperation. It was our collective commitment and sacrifice during world war ii that established the foundations of the free and open indopacific 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 know ways to remember all those Service Members who made the ultimate sacrifice, and defensive 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. Ready, aim, fire. Ready, aim, fire. Ready, aim, fire. [gunshots] music thank you, please be seated. As our ceremony draws to a close, we thank you all for joining us this morning 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 presenting sponsor 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 welcoming message from linda hope of the bob hope legacy, representing the bob and Dolores Hope Foundation. Their generous 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 Pivotal Moment in american and 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, and raised the spirits of our troops, as my dad bob hope and many of his fellow entertainers did. Everyone played a role in achieving victory and establishing an peace. Bob hope with a small band of performers traveled to bases throughout the u. S. And 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 distant 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. As we commemorate 75 years since the end of world war ii, we salute our Service Members and the Everyday Americans who contributed to the war effort for their heroic actions, their 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. Most of all, we would like to thank all of our veterans who protected our country and its people as well as the men and women who are currently serving in the armed forces for displaying courage and commitment to duty at all times. Our nation honors you and your continued perseverance to protect our freedoms. Here at the battleship missouri memorial, we stand with you and remain firmly dedicated to upholding the values confirmed on this day 75 years ago. Please stand for the benediction by captain jim. Let us pray. Almighty 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 at 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. We thank you, god, for the inspiration of those who went before us, 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 continously seek to preserve so as we leave this site, grant us your peace and blessing. In your holy name we pray, amen. Thank you captain edwards. 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 now see fireworks that relaunched last night as a gift from japan. The sister city of honolulu, the admiral, a native of this city, 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 service and sacrifice. Second, in honor of all those who gave their last full measure of service, who 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. Thank you for joining us, at this historic location this morning. 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] each week, American History tvs american artifacts visits museums and historic places. Up next we travel to philadelphias Independence National historical park, to learn about congress hall, the