Mr. Edward davis. [applause] our next veteran is mr. Jack maroney. Served in the United States marine corps during world war ii above the uss enterprise. He manned the antitank aircraft guns for the attack against the uss enterprise. Please and gentlemen mr. Jack maroney. Served ind seller okinawa, nagasaki, and part of the marine second division. Materved as a pharmacist second class. [applause] retired air force chief. Fficer mr. J grok junior he listed in 1940. After arriving at his first station in a wahoo, hawaii, he was assigned to the transport station of the base. Onring the explosion december 7, he raced out of the barracks making his way to the boathouse. There he helped defend an b17 to land on the tarmac a proximately 1500 yards away from his location. [applause] our next world war ii veteran ay. This ms. M her first assignment was to march in a ticker parade behind parade in her new uniform. She had intense 12 week Training Course to determine where she was needed. Serving as a private first class in the United States army throughout the operations during world war ii. [applause] mr. Salvatore. He served during the european theater of operations during world war ii. Lisa and gentlemen, mr. Salvatore. Mr. Harry miller is a veteran of 22 years of military service in the United States army and air force. He served in world war ii. He served in the u. S. Army as a crew chief on the assault gun but two of headquarters company. Ladies and gentlemen, mr. Harry miller. [applause] overly served with the Army Air Force during world war ii. He was assigned to the 834 bomb squadron. He flew 23 missions over germany november 1944 to may 1945. Ladies and gentlemen, mr. Overly. Its. Drew a blue actions llc in 1943 consisted of markets andhe Gilbert Islands and the support invasion force of the Gilbert Islands. Llis. Ndrew agi our next world war ii veteran is mr. Albert. He began his service in 1943 as a drafty for world war ii. He served in europe, south africa north africa, and earned broad bronze stars. The Reverend Richard young , pearl harbor survivor joined , the u. S. Navy on december 7, 1941. He found himself on the destroyer uss ward and at pearl harbor. He remained on the warden and went to the battles of midway and guadalcanal and transferred in 1942 to participate in the invasion of sicily. The Reverend Richard young. [applause] mr. John showman joined the u. S. Navy in 1944. A radar operator, he was put on ship ony commissioned the way to the south pacific. Joining the task force off okinawa in june 1945. The ship earned one battle star. Ladies and gentlemen, mr. John showman. [applause] mr. Cecil frances served in the United States navy during the war as a seaman first class on the uss parker. He served as a striker. Ladies and gentlemen, cecil frances. Serving in the United States navy, was a fireman in the engine room. Mr. George man. His ship sales all throughout the Pacific Theater during world war ii. George mann, ladies and gentlemen. [applause] pickard served in the United States navy as a seaman firstclass. Mr. Donald pickard. [applause] mr. William ryan commences service at a Naval Training base center in great lakes, illinois. After completing specialized training in gulfport, mississippi he was assigned to , the naval armed guard is a gunner on the liberty ship from march 1943 to november 1943, he was assigned as a fire control man in current number three. Ladies and gentlemen mr. William , ryan. Mr. Neil brown served in the United States army during world war ii. He was in the motor transport squadron. He was stationed in the philippines throughout that time. Ladies and gentlemen mr. Neil , brown. Served duringan world war ii. His specialty was apply and he was a seaman firstclass. [applause] our next veteran is mr. Munro. He served in taipan with the and completed 30 missions as a Radio Operator and mechanic on a b29. He was awarded the air medal with five clusters and the Pacific Theater ribbon. Ladies and gentlemen, mr. Monroe. [applause] ritter was a corporal in the United States army. He served in germany. His unit was responsible for monitoring and providing security for the railroad throughout western europe. Mr. Donald ritter. [applause] colonel james rizzi is a 91 years young veteran of world war ii. Heap to space in the battle of okinawa as the leader of an infantry platoon and commander of an infantry rifle company. A is an Operations Officer of infantry battalion. Colonel william murphy. Mr. Sanford served in the United States army during world war ii. He was assigned as a quartermaster specialist. He was stationed in japan. Ladies and gentlemen, mr. Sanford bows. He was sent to burma and was ofigned in the 55th squadron air force. Mr. Frank editor. Our last veteran today is mr. George michalski. He was drafted into the army on december 11, next 41. He served as the first wave of troops to the omaha beach on dday. There is a sharpshooter firing commandercompany called in an airstrike on the and he found a metal that was in the church and he is been wearing it for the last 70 years. Mr. George perkowski. [applause] ladies and gentlemen, it is now time to introduce our master of ceremonies. He is been a journalist for more than 25 years. He is been a morning news acre for the bsa nine. He can see him monday through friday on wake up with washington 4 30 a. M. To 7 a. M. He was a nominee for his primetime special for any. Please welcome mr. Mike. Good morning ladies and , gentlemen. What a beautiful day, it is so great to have blustery conditions. I am so honored to be your master of ceremony. As he marked the 75th anniversary of the attack on pearl harbor. Ladies and gentlemen, im pleased to announce our official party for todays commemoration. Our keynote speaker for today is truly an american hero. A prisoner of war during the vietnam war, an american statesman and all around wonderful individual. Ladies and gentlemen it is a , true honor to introduce a Great American hero, john mccain. [applause] we also have a very special distinguished guests with us today. Indianaent governor of and the future Vice President of the United States of america. Vice our honor to welcome president elect, michael pence. [applause] we have several guests here today. Who without their hard work this memorial would not be possible. One of those guests, we are truly honored to have here today. The congresswoman launched a long legislative battle to have this world war ii memorial built here on the National Mall despite setbacks. She never relented in 17 years of work to make this happen. A congresswoman from the great state of ohio. Marcee gatour. [applause] another person. Memorial they made this memorial possible with their generosity and tireless commitment to veterans. The founder and ceo of fedex, mr. Fred smith. [applause] caring for this beautiful world war ii memorial is a large task. As you can see, it is the one of the most beautiful places in washington dc. The National Park service is a big part in making sure it maintains its beauty. Today,k, this with us the National MallMemorial Park superintendent. [applause] the chairman of the board for friends of the National World war ii memorial, mr. Josiah bunting the third. [applause] representing the Maritime Administration and a great friend of the National World war ii memorial and world war ii chip dannigan. [applause] and from the military chapter of washington, Commander Michael pumphrey. [applause] ladies and gentlemen, please rise for the presentation of colors. [starspangled banner] ladies and gentlemen, it is now time for the invocation. A pearl harbor survivor and world war ii veteran, the Reverend Richard young. Let us pray. Lord we gather here today in remembrance of december 7, 1941, when our Pacific Fleet was struck by a surprise attack from a nation with whom we were with at peace. Many of us here today helped defend our nation during an attack. We can still remember the angry drone of scores of planes, the heavy response from our guns, the near misses of bombs. And the destruction of our large battleships. We are grateful with the help of our allies we brought the ensuing war to a Successful End and all animosities have faded the passage of time. Faded with the passion passage of time. We prayed the lessons we learn from that day regarding our nations safety will never pass away. We confess you gave us a Wonderful World large enough and productive enough that all of us can have a good life. We have made it into a world where violence and wars are common. Today, we humbly pray that you would hasten the day that your prophet isaiah promised, when your children will live together in peace as brothers and sisters and there will be no more war. In your great and holy name, we pray amen. Thank you, reverend young. On the morning of december 7, japanese planes dropped a bomb in an unprovoked act of war against the United States. Near simultaneous attacks made on the philippines and wake island, guam, and the midway. Attacks on hong kong and singapore, claiming the lives of 2400 americans. And nearly destroying our Pacific Fleet. It could not shake our resolve. While the battleships smoldered, patriots from across the country enlisted in our armed forces, volunteering to take up the fight for freedom and security. For which their brothers and sisters make the ultimate sacrifice. On this day we pay to be to all , the souls lost 75 years ago. We saluted those who responded with strength encourage in the service of our nation and we renew our dedication to the ideals for which they valiantly fought. Today with solemn gratitude, we , recall the sacrifice of all those who served in world war ii. Especially those that gave their last full measure of devotion and the families they left behind. As proud heirs to the freedom and progress secured by those who came before us, we pledge to uphold their legacy and honor. Honor their memory. Thank you all for being here to commemorate the special Remembrance Day at our world war ii memorial. Now, it is my privilege to introduce the superintendent of the National Mall and Memorial Parks and National Park service. Vinkisi. Lakes entertainment, please be seated. Please be seated. Good afternoon everyone. On behalf of the National Park service, it is my sincere pleasure to welcome you to the world war ii memorial. For this, the commemoration of the 75th anniversary on the attack on pearl harbor. We gather to remember and honor the nearly 2400 individuals who died on december 7, 1941. The opening chapter of the war in which more than 400,000 servicemen and women would make the supreme sacrifice. The National Park service is proud to work with the friends of the world war ii memorial. Our partners in managing the memorial. And in sponsoring todays ceremony. The National ParkService Thanks you for your service to our nation and we share in your mission to ensure the legacy and sacrifices of world war ii veterans are not forgotten. Also with us this morning are about 30 veterans of world war ii, including seven survivors of the attack on pearl harbor 75 years ago. A third of these veterans join commemorativea honor flight. Welcome to all of you. [applause] welcome to your memorial. Your presence here today reminds us not only of the solemn chapter of the american story, but also inspires us with your great courage come resolve, and commitment. Story that we think helps define our nation. Privilege to welcome all of our platform and guests, including Vice President elect mike pence. Thank you for being with us. Senator mccain, the congresswoman, maritime administrator. Commander pumphrey. And mr. Roosevelt, thank you for being with us. Moment tothank a thank the staff and the volunteers of the National Park service who maintain this memorial and educate the 4 million visitors who come here every year. Many of you know the National Park service is celebrating its 100th anniversary in 2016. I cannot tell you what humbling honor it is to serve with these men and women. I think everyone for their service. I want to offer a very special welcome to those of you who have chosen to join us. Especially those of you among the crowd to our former and current members of our military service. [applause] yes, thank you. I dont think we can sufficiently express our gratitude for you for your service. Rooseveltfranklin addressed the congress on december 8, 1941 and it included an appeal that quote always will our whole nation remember the nature of the previous days attack at pearl harbor. This is part of the purpose of National Memorial and the relevance to american history. This place commands our reference not only a testimonial of what happened on december 7, to. On a while also because it helps us understand the monumental trial and sacrifice that has shaped our nation and our governments and our society. We can recognize the passion aroused the 75 years ago. We can recognize it in our own little dialogue around issues of freedom, justice, citizenship and national security. World war ii holds vital lessons for all of us. Crisisidst international , Mutual Understanding and civil discourse our understanding to a democracy. That we are defined, not by what divides us, but what joins us together. Toation that lays claim greatness must look within itself and we willing to pay the price for standing up for high ideals. The gold stars behind me representing the more than 400,000 american deaths in the course of world war ii are a sobering reminder of how costly this can be. And the National Park service is extremely proud to be the steward of this memorial. And to this legacy. I can promise you, we will be here every day, watching over this place taking care of it, protecting it, and passing on the stories to future generations of america. And for citizens around the world to visit us. It is not simply a memorial that we preserve here. It is our birthright as a nation purchased at an unimaginable cost. And one that we will care for with all the reference reverent that it demands. Thank you for being with us. [applause] thank you. We have some special recognitions of the guests we have here today. We have a privilege of being of of having the executive leadership of the National Society of the daughters of the american revolution. Would you please stand to be recognized . [applause] a very special group of americans are here who are willing to give their time and effort to ensure that world war ii veterans receive the proper recognition and the honor they so rightly deserve. We are honored to have with us today all the way from the great texas, the honor flight under the leadership of mr. Allen bergeron. Volunteers from honor flight please stand to be recognized . [applause] thank you so much. And finally, we would like to recognize the members of the friends of the National World war ii memorial board of directors who works tirelessly to preserve the National Memory of world war ii. With the board of directors please stand to be recognized . The board of directors please stand to be recognized . Ladies and gentlemen, friends, it is so fortunate to have mr. Josiah bunting, the the nonveterans, Rhodes Scholar a former professor, a former ladies and gentlemen, superina mater. Mr. Bunting brings us a great knowledge of our military and appreciation of its veterans. It gives me great pleasure to welcome mr. Jeff zients bunting the third to the podium. [applause] of beautiful for spacious skies, so heroes proved for liberating strife. More than itself, their country loved and mercy more than life. One of the cheerier voices not so wellknown from america the beautiful. Commemorate the brave supremely sacrificed and their survivors. And their families and veterans of all of americas wars, but particularly the great war from 1941 to 1945. The important thing to quotes our greatest ally, sir winston churchill, is succeeding generations not be allowed to forgive their sacrifice and example. Succeeding generations. This is the 75th anniversary of the attack on pearl harbor. 75 years from now, will the same commemoration be understood as an important milepost. On the continuing passage of the greatest experiment in democracy in history. We must leave here today, all of us, in the spirit of evangelizing on behalf of that sacrifice. The succeeding generations, the children in our schools and high schools and colleges continue to study and be exalted by the history of our country and particularly by the supreme sacrifice of those whose families, friends, and admirers joined us today. God bless our country. Godless view. [applause] ladies and gentlemen we are , so very fortunate to have with us today the United StatesNavy Ceremonial band, who will now perform a tribute to our veterans. music music [applause] gentlemen, the United StatesNavy Ceremonial band. [applause] today we have a very special us to readst with his greatgrandfatherss historic day of infamy speech. Mr. Elliott roosevelt the third, who is also a member of the board of directors of friends of the National World war ii memorial. Mr. Roosevelt, welcome. [applause] thank you for your presence to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the japanese attack on pearl harbor. On december 7, 1941, without warning, japanese warplanes to this on the american Pacific Fleet, catching it by complete surprise. In the aftermath of the bombing , ships torpedo attacks and aircraft burned and 2103 americans lay dead or dying. It was the worst enable disaster s history. Try americans awoke to fear, confusion, and anger. President roosevelt assured, comforted, and embolden the American People. Today i share some of those words with you. Mr. Vice president , mr. Speaker, members of the senate and of the house of representatives. 7, 1941, adecember date which will live in infamy. The United States of america was suddenly and deliberately forcesd by naval and air of the empire of japan. On thek yesterday Hawaiian Islands has caused a Severe Damage to American Naval and military forces. I regret to tell you that Many American lives have been lost. The people from the United States have already formed their opinion and will understand the implications to the very life and safety of our nation. As commanderinchief of the army and navy, i have directed all measures be taken for our defense. But always will our whole nation remember the character of the onslaught against us. No matter how long it may take us to overcome this premeditated people, the american and their righteous might will , win through to absolute victory. So help us god. [applause] i believe i interpret the will of the congress and the people when i assert that we will not only defend ourselves to the outermost, but make it very certain that this form of againry shall never endanger us. Hostilities exist. There is no blinking at the fact that our people, our territory, and our interests are in grave grade grave danger. With confidence in our armed forces, with the unbound thing determination of our people, we will gain the inevitable triumph. I ask that congress declare that since the unprovoked and dastardly attack by japan on sunday december 7 1941, a state of war has existed between the United States and the japanese empire. Within the hour, Congress Declared war on japan. On december 11, hillard declared war on the United States. The following day congress , declared war on germany and italy. 75 years later, it is difficult to appreciate the gravity of what had just occurred. The attack on pearl harbor thrust United States into a struggle that would end our data with either end in our victory or conquest. The struggle for the lives of the American People and their descendents, born and unborn, with live with dignity, liberty, and rule of law or under the forces of tyranny, oppression, and genocide. States,these tremendous the decision by japan, germany, and italy to go to war with the United States reflected a fundamental misunderstanding of the american character. At the most basic level our enemies underestimated the blooded and sorely tested commitment to freedom that forms our union. Understanding this and knowing that no totalitarian state can match the spirit and the human that theenergy patriotic republic had released. Fdr never wavered in his confidence the United States would prevail. In the aftermath of the attack, the mood who was notable for the steadiness of resolve in the absence of hesitation. In her weekly radio broadcast, Eleanor Roosevelt reflected the feelings of the American People. Andnow what we have to face we are ready to face it. Whatever is asked of us, i am sure, we can accomplish it. We are the free and unconquerable people of the usa. In subsequent months, the military will transform itself from a combat power transferring trailing back of romania into , a battle hardened superbly led fighting force and more technologically capable than any other in the world. The American Economy would transform and expand into a colossal engine of war. Clothing, feeding, arming, and fueling not only the american military, but the militaries of britain, the russians come the free french and others to gradually overpower the actions that which cannot approach the overwhelming american output. For those like me who received , the unearned gifts of freedom paid for by the service of all , americans during world war ii, our obligation is to remember and honor those who gave their lives at pearl harbor and the subsequent battles of world war ii. Our obligation is to remember and honor all those who sacrificed for our nations cause and uniform. Our obligation is to preserve into the future the delicate experiment that is this republic. Before asking congress to declare war against japan, fdr concluded his remarks on an with an invocation to the providence of the almighty. We see the many factors at decisive to victory which lay beyond our power. The mistakes of our enemy, the critical fortitude of the british and the tremendous tenacity of the russians. The separation afforded by the oceans, which provided the United States with the necessary time to mobilize and the resources. Of all the worlds belligerence, the United States was the only country with the breadth of access, industrial capacity, and agricultural capacity, the scientific base and critical raw material such as bauxite and petroleum to wage a sustained world war. Recognizing gods silent agency, we are humbled acknowledging the , limits of man and our dependence on a just, loving god. We are grateful, knowing it is by his grace we live in freedom. And we are committed, conducting our affairs with virtue and wisdom so that our creator will bless our future as he is blessed our past. As at other critical junctures in our nations history during , world war ii, gods hand was on our shoulder. May it be always. [applause] John Sidney Mccain the third, the senior United States senator from the great state of arizona. Senator mccain all of his father and grandfather, both fourstar admirals and world war ii veterans into the United States navy graduating from the united in hees Naval Academy 1958. Became a naval aviator, flying ground attack aircraft from aircraft carriers. During the vietnam war he was , almost killed in the 1967 forest hill fire. On a Bombing Mission he was shot , down and seriously injured and captured by the north vietnamese. He was a prisoner of war until 1973, having refused a added sequence early repatriation offer. He retired from the u. S. Navy as a captain in 1981. Elected to the u. S. House of representatives in 1982, senator mccain served two terms and then he was first elected in the United States senate in 1986. Winning reelection easily five 2016. Most recently in congratulations, sir. How appropriate is it to have this Great American hero, statesmen, and patriot here today at the National World war ii memorial to commemorate pearl harbor Remembrance Day. Ladies and gentlemen, from the great state of arizona senator , john mccain. [applause] thank you, very much. Well, thank you. Thanks for that kind introduction. [applause] im honored to be here today with all of our members of our greatest generation and all of our friends and supporters. I think its worthy of mentioning again the presence of our governor, former member of congress and Vice President elect mike pence. [applause] thank you for being here and thank you for your continued service. By the way, mike has a son who is a naval aviator. Mike, unlike hope me, his sons landings would match the number of takeoffs. So it is a privilege to be here and join you in commemorating the events of december 7, 1941 to pay our respects to the sacrifice and heroism displayed that day. And to remember the day america entered the Second World War and began our leadership of the free worlds, which have continued now for three quarters of a century. 1941. Er 7, one of the dates on which history swung on its great hinge and the world was forever changed. For some of us, it is a personal memory, as it is for me. It is one of my earliest memories. I was five years old, playing in the front yard of our familys london, connecticut. A black sedan pulled up in front of the house. A navy officer in uniform roll down the window and shouted at my father that the japanese had bombed pearl harbor. My father left immediately for the marine base for he was stationed and i rarely saw him again for the next four years. He commanded submarines, surviving depth charges and other terrifying under sees encounters with enemy. My grandfather held commands in the pacific. First of all landbased aircraft and the Guadalcanal Campaign and in the last year of the war he commanded a vast carrier task force. He stood on the deck of the uss missouri as the japanese formally surrendered. He came home from the war, exhausted from the burdens and died the same day. During the war, and whenever my father was at sea, the job of raising my brother, sister, and me felt my mother alone. She gave us her strength, love of life, and her deep interest in the world. I wouldnt be here today but for her character and example. In about two months we will celebrate her 105th birthday. [applause] Many American families were changed that day. Many endured the pain of separation from loved ones, and many suffered the pain that time never completely heals. The loss of children, parents, and siblings. America was changed forever. The events of that infamous a day. The day that saw the might encourage of the American People and the beginning of our countrys rise to its preeminence among the nations of the world. A preeminence we maintain to this day to our benefit and the benefit of humanity. It began when the officers and sailors of the Pacific Fleet were awakened shortly after before 8 a. M. , by the alarm. A , little after eight the first torpedo bomb struck a gun to her it on the uss arizona and glanced off the deck without seriously damaging the ship. A minute or two later, another bomb struck the ship and detonated its ammunition magazine, starting a holocaust that would send the arizona and 1100 and 77 men, over half the casualties suffered that day, to the bottom of pearl harbor bay where she remains to this day as a military cemetery. The arizona was a flagship of a friend of my grandparents, parents who raced to the bridge at the first warning. The arizonas last skipper, captain ben franklin falkenberg joined him there. But then fall directly and perished in the fire. Countless acts of valor and selfsacrifice were witnessed that day on the arizona. And on other ships of the fleet. , and bellesld field, in the cockpits of outgunned hocks and war hawks and dont listen dive bombers. We were defeated by our enemy for a moment. Diminish the nobility of the sacrifices made by americans that day for the sake of duty, honor, or country. Neither does it obscure the magnitude of their real achievement. We fault the first battle and set the first example in a Long Campaign of americas leadership of the free world. Many battles followed. Many challenges were offered and met. With our allies, we defeated our enemies in the pacific and in europe. We defeated our cold war adversary and we will prevail over the challenges we face today. [applause] but it began with the courage and faith of those americans who answered their summons to duty, as pearl harbor who gave all the , duty asked of them. Its important we keep the memory of their patriotism alive. Guardimportant that we against the complacency that is always a threat to our security. Say, hot oilthey from the hold of the arizona bubbles to the surface. It is not only a living testament to the destruction on december 7, 1941. It was a warning that freedom is never cheap. Live in this brave nation, must do our duty to be watchful and provide for the common defense with the resources at our disposal so that the best men and women in america will not be forced to provide for it with their lives. Thank you all for remembering and inviting me to join you. [applause] thank you, senator mccain. [applause] ladies and gentlemen at this , time we will have our brief presentation. Presentation. Please remain seated as our world war ii veterans be prepared with the wreaths. In that time, well have chaplin commander humphrey give the benediction accompanied by the United StatesNavy Ceremonial band. Let us pray. Saveal father, strong to whose arm hath bound the , restless waves and who binds our hearts and spirits one to another across the years in the miles. As we remember with profound gratitude, the devotion to duty and the heroism of so many at and near pearl harbor on that great and terrible day 75 years ago. And as we prepare to go on from this historic occasion and sacred place, we ask your blessing on our nation and all her people. Bless us with the humility never to take for granted their selflessness in the face of the devastation and the danger. And give us grace to draw inspiration from the heroes of pearl harbor, as we face the challenges and dangers of our own time. Grant us hearts to love liberty, and guide our bodies, minds, and souls towards the true and lasting peace that is the fruit of moral strength and righteous courage. Greater love has no one than this, the one laid down his life for his friends. Thus, always, always, always we remember pearl harbor. And so hear us when we cry to the for those in peril on the sea. Amen. [band plays] [applause] senators, and representatives, i have the distinguished honor of presenting the president of the United States. [applause] Vice President , mr. Speaker, members of the senate and the house of representatives, ye 1941, a december 7, date which will live in infamy, the United States of america was suddenly and deliberately attacked by naval and air forces of the empire of japan. States was at peace ath that nation, and solicitation of japan, still in conversation with its government looking toward, the maintenance of peace in the pacific. After japaneser air squadrons had commenced bombing in the American Island of oahu, the japanese ambassador to the United States and his colleagues delivered to formalretary of state a reply to a recent american message. Itle this reply stated that seemed useless to continue the existing diplomatic negotiation, it contained no threat or hint of war or of armed attack. It will be recorded that the distance of hawaii from japan makes it obvious that the attack was deliberately planned, for many days or even weeks. During the intervening time, the japanese government has deliberately sought to deceive the United States by false statements and expressions of hope to our continued peace. On theack yesterday Hawaiian Islands has caused Severe Damage to american