Entry into world war ii. Coming up next, ceremony commemorating the anniversary at the National World war two memorial in washington, d. C. The event honored veterans and arizona senator john mccain gave the keynote address. This is an hour. Ladies and gentlemen, please be seated. Now we will go through the reading of the veterans, introducing them and theyll be presented their quote of valor. If the veterans can stand, please do so, if not remain in your chairs. The first is mr. William planthearse, entered the army from new york and arrived at barracks in hawaii in december 1939. He was part of the Field Artillery and later changed to the 89th infantry division. Second section battery b. He was there during the attack and later boarded the ship president grant as a gunner tert in july 1942 to go to the canal and evacuated in 1943. Received the purple heart and with one bronze star in asianic Pacific Campaign metal and purple heart survivor. Ladies and gentlemen, mr. William. Second world war 2 zrrn is mr. Freeman k. Johnson. Joined the navy in december 1939 at the age of 19. He was on the uss st. Louis on december 7, 1941, pearl harbor when the planes came. He was in the bowels of the ship working as he said had no time to think when everything happened. Hit just did as he was told. There was there were the second ship out of the harbor. From there, he was transferred in november 1942 going to the transfer station in San Francisco bay and started on the uss ohio. Ladies and gentlemen, pearl harbor, mr. Freeman k. Johnson. [ applause ] our next is harold mainer. Joined in october 1914 own assigned to cl 50. The ship was stationed and damaged at pearl harbor at the time of the attack on december 7, 1941. The ship was repaired and the naval yard in california and later involved in several battles in the Pacific Theater. Ladies and gentlemen, mr. Harold maynard. Serve after president harry truemans border to integrate United States forces. In 1948. General went on to serve in the korean war and eventually to the rise and to the rank of Lieutenant General in 1978 in the command of the seventh corps in europe during the cold war. Ladies and gentlemen, Lieutenant General julia. Our next, edward davis. He enlisted to the United States army in 1940. 1941 he witnessed firsthand the bombing taking place on this day of infall my. It was allowed in combat on the islands of the canal and the philippines. Ladies and gentlemen, Sergeant Edward davis. Our next veteran is mr. Jack maroney. Served in the United States marine corps during world war ii aboard the uss enterprise which saw action throughout the Pacific Theater. Held the rank of corporal and manned the aircraft guns during attacks against the uss enterprise. Mr. Richard sellers served in world war ii. Served in okinawa, nagasaki as part of the marine second division. He was assigned as an infantry combat and served as a pharmacist made second class. Mr. Richard zellers. Retired air force chief warrant officer j. C. Junior. Enlisted after graduating from high school in 1940. After arriving at his first duty station in hawaii, he was assigned to crash code section of the base. During the explosion on december 7th, he raced out of his barracks making his way to the boat house. Once there he helped defend an american b17 which was attempting to land on the tarmac approximately 150 yards away from his location. Ladies and gentlemen, j. C. Crop jr. [ applause ] our next world war ii veteran is miss may e. Tenacy. Joined in 1944 in boston and was soon on her way to boot camp at hunter college, new york. Her first assignment was to march in a ticker tape parade behind a navy van in her brand new uniform. She was bursting with pride. Her next post was oklahoma where she had intense 12week Training Course to determine where she was needed. Ladies and gentlemen, miss may tenecy. Ladies and gentlemen, mr. Sutra salvador. Served in the United StatesArmy Air Corps throughout the theater of operations during world war ii. Ladies and gentlemen, mr. Salvatore. Mr. Harry miller is a vmpb 22 years of military service in the United States army and air force. He served in world war ii, in the u. S. Army with a 740th tank battalion and the battalions company. Ladies and gentlemen, mr. Harry miller. Mr. Kenneth overly. Served with the Army Air Forces during world war ii. He was assigned to the 834th bomb squadron 486 bomber Group Eighth Air force. Ladies and gentlemen, mr. Oberly. Actions while at sea in 1943 consisted of attacks on the marcus, wake, and Gilbert Islands of the Gilbert Islands. Ladies and gentlemen, mr. Andrew. Mr. Alfred began his federal service in june 1943 as a draftee for world war ii. Found himself aboard a destroyer uss warden at pearl harbor. Remained through the battles of coral c, midway, and canal and transfer to the u. S. Lobbing in 1942 to participate in the invasion of sicily. Ladies and gentlemen, the Reverend Richard young. [ applause ] mr. John showman joined the u. S. Navy in 1944, Radar Operator he was put on a newly commissioned uss richard cv 31 on the way to the south pacific. Joining the task force, task force 38 off okinawa in june 1945. The ship joined in the attacks on okinawa and the strikes on japan bombing factories. The ship earned one battle star. Ladies and gentlemen, mr. John showman. Mr. Yecil francis. Served as a seaman first class on the ussar zst kansas. He served as a striker. Ladies and gentlemen mr. Cecil francis. Ladies and gentlemen, mr. George vance served as machinist. It was a fireman in the engine room. The ship sailed through all throughout the Pacific Theater during world war ii. George vance ladies and gentlemen. Mr. Donald pic ard served in the United States navy as a seaman first class and was a landing boat crew and gunners mate. Mr. Donald pickard. Mr. William ryan commenced his service in 1932 in grak lakes illinois. After completing in Naval Gunnery School in gulfport, mississippi, he was assigned to the naval armed guard as a gunner on the third gun aboard the liberty ship usmc 0347. Robert tomas from march 1943 to november 43. He was later assigned to the uss new jersey as a fire controlman in number three. Ladies and gentlemen, mr. William ryan. Mr. Neil brown served with United States army during world war ii in the motor transport squadron. He was stationed in the philippines throughout that time. Ladies and gentlemen, mr. Neil brown. Mr. Jack hugman served in the United States army in the Pacific Theater of operations during world war ii. Specialty was supply and he was a seaman first class. Ladies and gentlemen, mr. Jack hugman. Our next veteran is mr. Monroe, joined the Army Air Corps and served with the 20th air force before 97th bomb group bombing of japan and completed 30 missions as a Radio Operator and mechanic on a b29. He was awarded the distinguished flyings cross and Pacific Theater ribbon. Ladies and gentlemen, mr. Monroe carchur. [ applause ] mr. Donald ren erp was a corporal in the United States army and served in germany. France, and belgium. He was assigned to the 140th traffic regulation battalion. Responsible for monitoring and providingings security for the railroads throughout western europe during the war. Ladies and gentlemen, mr. Donald renner. Cornell james riffys is a purple heart veteran. He entered as a private in 1942 and retired in 1972. He participated in the battle of okinawa as the leader of an infantry platoon and kmaernd of a company and Intelligence Officer and plans Operations Officer of infantry battalion. Colonel james riffy ladies and gentlemen. [ applause ] mr. Sanford debuis served in world war ii. Assigned as a Quarter Master specialists. He was stationed in japan during the war. Ladies and gentlemen, mr. Stanford debous. Mr. Frank etinger, joined air force shortly after graduating from high school in 1942. Frank was shipped overseas to 1944 tote china bure burma indi assigned to a 51st squadron of the tenth air force. Ladies and gentlemen, mr. Frank etin,berg. And our last veteran today is from george kakowski. Drafted into the army on december 11, 1941. He served as the first wave of troops to hit omaha beach on dday from there he fought his way to st. Low during the battle of st. Lowe and france. Sharp shooter firing down on george and fellow soldiers. Company commander called in an air strike and since the firing of the men was so severe, later he was found a medal only the floor that was in the church. He put it on, and hes been wearing that medal for the last 70 years. Ladies and gentlemen, mr. George krakowski. Ladies and gentlemen, its not now time to introduce our master of ceremonies. Our master of ceremonies for todays event is mr. Mike hidekr. Journalist for nearly 25 years and weekday morning news anchor here in washington, d. C. You can see him monday through friday on wake up washington from 4 30 a. M. To 7 00 a. M. Mike was honored with a local emmy nomination for his prime time special cool schools. The future is now, please welcome our master of ceremonies for todays event, mr. Mike hideck. Good morning, ladies and gentlemen. What a beautiful day. We are so honored to have sunshine instead of rain and blustery conditions that weve had over the last few days. We were truly blelszed for our commemoration today. I am so honoreding to your master of ceremonies for the world war ii memorial celebrations here in washington, d. C. As we mark. 75th anniversary on the attack on pearl harbor. Ladies and gentlemen, i am pleased to announce our official party for todays commemoration. Our keynote speaker for today truly an american hero. A prisoner of war and all around individual, ladies and gentlemen, it is a true honor to introduce a Great American hero, senator john mccain. [ applause ] we also have a very special distinguished guest with us today. The Current Governor of indiana, and the future Vice President of the United States of america, it is our honor to welcome Vice 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, congresswoman captor, waged a long legislative battle to have this world war ii memorial built here on the National Mall, despite setbacks, she never relented in 127 years of work to make this happen, congresswoman from the great state of ohio, marcie captor. Another person made this memorial possible with their hard work, their generosity, and their tireless commitment to veterans, the founder and ceo of fedex, mr. Fred smith. [ applause ] caring for this memorial is a large task. And as you can see, its one of the most beautiful places in washington d. C. And the National Park service is a major part of making sure it maintain its beauty. With us today miss gade, National MallMemorial Parks superintendent is with us today. [ applause ] the chairman of the board for friends of the National World war ii memorial, mr. Josiah bunting iii. Representing a great frand of the memorial and our World War Two veterans, the honorable, paul chip jannikan. And from the military district of washington, chaplain Commander Michael pompfry. Ladies and gentlemen, please rise for the presentation of colors. 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 7th, 1941 when our Pacific Fleet was struck by a surprise attack from a nation with whom we were at peace. Many of us here today helped defend our nation during that attack. We can still remember the angry drone from the scores of incoming planes, the heavy response from our guns, the near misses of bombs, and the destruction of our lords battleships where bombs did not miss. Were grateful that with the help of our allies we brought the ensuing war to a Successful End and old animosities have faded with the passage of time. But we pray that the lessons we learned from that day regarding our nations safety will will never pass away we confess that you gave us a Wonderful World productive enough that all of us can have a good life. But we have made it into a world where hatred is and wars are common. Today, we humbly pray that you would hasten the day that your prophet isaiah promised when your children will learn to 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 7th, 1941, japanese planes thundered over hawaii, dropping bombs in an unprovoked act of war against the United States. Near simultaneous attacks also made on the philippines, guam, wake island and the made way, attacks also in hong kong, malia and is singapore, claiming the lives of 2,400 americans and nearly destroying our Pacific Fleet. But it could not shake our resolve. While the battle ships smoldered, patriots from across the country enlisted in our armed forces, volunteering to take up the fight for freedom and security which their brothers and sisters made the ultimate sacrifice. On this day, we pay tribute to all the souls lost 75 years ago. We salute those who responded with strength and courage in the service is of our nation. And we renew our dedication for the ideals which they valiantly fought. Today we recall the sacrifice of all those who served in world war ii, especially who gave their last full measure on of devotion and of course 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 their memory. Thank you all for being here to commemorate this special Remembrance Day and our world war ii memorial. And now it is my privilege to introduce the superintendent of the National Mall and Memorial Parks, National Park service, ms. Gay leadsby. Ladies and gentlemen, please be seated. Good afternoon, everyone. On behalf of the National Park service, it is is my sincere pleasure to welcome you to the world war ii memorial for 24 the commemoration of the 75th anniversary on pearl harbor. We gather today to remember is and to honor the nearly 2,400 individuals who died on december 7th, 1941. The opening chapter of a 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, the friends, for your service to our nation and we share in your mission to ensure that the legacy and sacrifices of world war ii vet is answer 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 us as part of a commemorative honor flight sponsored by honor flight austin. Welcome to all of you. [ applause ]. Welcome to your memorial. [ applause ]. It inspires us with your great courage, resolve, and commitment a story we think helps define our nation. And of course its my privilege to welcome all of us back, including Vice President elect pence. Thank you for being with us. [ applause ]. Senator mccain, be congresswoman captor, amer time administrator janiken, mr. Roosevelt, thank you for being with us. I want to take a moment to thank the staff and the volunteers of the National Park service who maintain this memorial and help educate the more than 4 million visitors who come here every year. Many of you know the National Park service is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year in 2016 and i cannot tell you what a humbling honor it is to serve with these men and women. They are remarkable. I thank them every day, the staff and volunteers. Finally i want to have a very special welcome those of you among the crowd who are former or current members of our military service. [ applause ]. Yes, thank you. I dont think we can sufficiently express our gratitude to you for your service. President Franklin Roosevelt addressed to congress on december 8th, 1941, included an appeal that, always with our whole nation remember the nature of the previous dayss a at pearl harbor. This is part of the purpose of our Nations National memorialsis and their relevance to american history. This place commands our reverence not only as a testimonial for what happened on december 7th in 1941 in oahu but it helps us understand the monumental trying and sacrifice that has shaped our nation and our government and our society. We can recognize the passions aroused 75 years ago in the wake of pearl harbor in our own political dialogue today around issues of freedom and justice and citizenship and national security. World war ii holds vital lessons for all of us. Even amidst national crisis, civil discourse and Mutual Understanding are essential to a democracy. That we are defined not by what divides us but what joins us together. That a nation that lays claim to greatness must look within itself and be willing to pay the price of 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. Well be passing on the stories of this place and this war to future generations of americans. And citizens from around the world who visit us for it is not simply a memorial that we preserve here. It is is our birth right as a nation purchased at an unimaginable cost and one that we will carry for with all the reverence that it demands. Thank you. Thank you for being with us. [ applause ]. Thank you, gay. We have special recognitions of some of the guests we have here today. We have a privilege of having the executive leadership of the National Society of 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 their effort to ensure that our world war ii veterans receive the proper recognition and of course the honor they so rightly deserve. We are honored to have all the way from the great state of texas, honor flight austin under the leadership of mr. Allen bergeron. [ applause ]. Will all the volunteers from honor please stand to be recognized. Thank you so much. [ applause ]. And finally, we would like to recognize the members of the friends of the National World war ii memorial board of directors who, as you know, worked tireless to honor and preserve the National Memory of world war ii. Will the board of directors please stand to be recognized. [ applause ]. Josiah bunting the iii, a road scholar, vietnam veteran, former professor, former superintendent of his alma mater, the Virginia Military institute. Mr. Bunting brings us great knowledge and appreciation of our military and of course its veterans. It gives me great pleasure to welcome mr. Josiah bunting iii to the podium. Heroes prove liberating strive for more than itself their country loved and mercy more than life. Versus not so very well known from america the beauty. Today we commemorate the heroes who sacrificed supremely 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 quote our greatest ally sir winston churchill, succeeding generations not be allowed to forget their sacrifice. This is the 75th anniversary of the attack on pearl harbor. 75 years from now, will the same commemoration be understood as an important mile post 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 so those succeeding generations, the high schools and our colleges, continue to study and to be exalted by the history of our country and particularly by the supreme sacrifice of those whose families, friends, is and admirers join us today. God bless our country. God bless you. [ 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 your veterans. [ applause ]. Ladies and gentlemen, the United StatesNavy Ceremonial band. [ applause ]. Today we have a special guest with us to read his great grandfathers historic day of infamy speech. Mr. Elliott roosevelt iii, who is also a member of the board of the directors for the 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 7th, 1941, without warning, japanese warplanes descended on the american Pacific Fleet catching it by complete surprise. In the aftermath of the bombing passes, torpedo attacks and runs, ships and aircraft burned and 2,33 americans lay dead or dying. It was the worst naval disaster in our countrys history. Americans awoke to fear, confusion, and anger. The next afternoon, fdr addressed congress. President roosevelt reassure, comforted and e boldened 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, yesterday, december 7th, 1941, a date which will live in infamy, the United States of america was suddenly and deliberately attack by naval and air forces of the empire of japan. The attack yesterday on the Hawaiian Islands has caused Severe Damage to American Naval and military forces. I regret to tell you that very Many American lives have been lost. The people of the United States have already formed their opinions and will will understand the implications to the very life and safety of our nation. As commander in chief of the army and navy i have directed that 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 premed indicated invasion, the American People and their righteous might will win through to absolute victory so help us god. [ applause ]. That i interpret the will of the congress and of the people when i assert that we will not only defend ourselves to the utter most but will make it very certain that this form of treachery shall never again endanger us. Hostilities exist. Theres no blinking at the fact that our people, our territory, and our interests are in grave danger. With confidence in our armed forces, with the unbounding 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 on sunday, december 7th, 1941, a state of war has existed between the United States and the japanese empire. Within the hour, Congress Declared war on japan. Hitler declared war on the United States. The following day, Congress Declared war on germany and italy. 75 years later, it is difficult for us to appreciate the gravity of what had just occurred. The attack on pearl harbor thrust the United States into a struggle that would end in either our victory or our conquest. A struggle that would determine whether the lives of the American People and the lives of their descendants, born and unborn, would live with human dignity, liberty, and the rule of law, or other the forces of tyranny, oppression, and genocide. Despite these tremendous stakes, the decision by japan, germany, and italy to go to war with the United States reflected a fund mental misunderstanding of the american character. At the most basic level, our enemies underestimated the blooded and sorely test of commitment to freedom that forms this countrys core. Understanding this and knowing that no totalitarian state could match the spirit and the human energies that a patriotic republic could unleash, fdr never waivered that the United States could prevail. In the aftermath, the move was noted for the steadiness of resolve and the absence of hesitation. In her weekly radio broadcast the evening of december 7th, Eleanor Roosevelt reflected the feelings of the American People. We know what we have to face, is and we are ready to face it. Whatever is asked of us, i am sure we can accomplish it. We are the free and uncomparable people of the usa. In subsequent months, through herculean effort and numerous setbacks, the American Military would transform itself from a combat power trailing out of romania into a battle hardened fighting force better equipped and more technologically capable than any other in the world. The American Economy would transform and expand into a coloss al engine of war, clothing, feeding, army, not only the American Military, but the french and british, which could not approach the overwhelming american output. For those like who receive the unearned gift of freedom paid for by the service of all americans during world war ii, our obligation is to remember and to 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 of those who sacrifice for our nations cause in uniform and on the home front. 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 with an invocation to the province of the almighty with the prospective of time, we see the many factors decisive to victory which lay beyond our power. The mistakes of our enemies, the critical ford attitude 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 assets, the industrial capacity, the agricultural capacity, the scientific base, and the critical Raw Materials such as boxite is and petroleum to stage a sustained world war. Recognizing boxs silent agency, we are humbled, acknowledging the limits of man and our dependence upon a just, loving god. We are grateful knowing that it is by his grace that we live in freedom. And we are committed, conducting our affairs with virtue and wisdom in order that our creator will bless our future as he has blessed our past. As in other critical junctures in our nations history during world war ii, gods hand was on our shoulder. May it be always. Thank you. [ applause ]. John Sidney Mccain iii. The senior United States senator from the great state of arizona. Senator mccain followed his father, his grandfather both four star admirals and world war ii veterans into the United States navy. Graduated from the United StatesNaval Academy in 1958. He became a naval aviator flying ground attack aircraft from aircraft carriers. During the vietnam war, he was almost killed. In the 1960s, forced a fire. In 1967, while on a Bombing Mission over anoi he was shot down, seriously injured and captured by the north vietnamese. He was a prisoner of war until 1973, having refused out of sequence early repatriation offer. He retired from the u. S. Navy as a captain in 1981, elected to the u. S. House of representatives soon after in 1982. Senator mccain served two terms and then he was first elected into the United States senate in 1986. Winning reelection easily five times. Most recently in 2016. 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 world war ii commerence day. Thank you. Thank you very much. Thank you 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, is and now Vice President elect mike pence. By the way, mike has a son who is a naval aviator. I asked mike that i hope his son, unlike me, the number of landings would match the number of takeoffs. So it is a privilege to be here to join new commemorating the events of december 7th, 1941 to pay our respects to the sacrifice and heroism that day and to remember the day america began the Second World War and began our leadership of the free world, which has continue theed now for threequarters of a century. December 7th, 1941, is one of the dates on which history swung on its great hinge, and the world was forever changed. But for some of us, its a personal memory, and it is for me. Its one of my earliest memories i was five years old, playing in the front yard of our families home in connecticut. A black sedan pulled up in front of the house. A navy officer in uniform rolled down the window and shouted at my father that the japanese had bombed pearl harbor. My father left immediately for the Submarine Base where he was stationed. And i rarely saw him again the next four years. He survived death charges and other terrifying under seas encounters with the enemy. My grandfather held commands in the pacific. First an aircraft during the guadelcanal task force, admiral hallsy. He stood on the deck of the uss missouri as the japanese surrendered. He came home from the war exhausted from the burdens he had born and died the same day the. During the war, whenever my father was at sea, the job of raising my sister, brother, and me fell to my mother alone. She gave us her strength, her love of life and her deep interest in the world. I wouldnt be here today but for her character and example. And in about two months we will is 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 and parents and siblings. America too was changed forever. The event office that infamous day. The courage and compassion of the American People to a world war and the beginning of our countrys rise to its preeupl tphepbs. Before 8 00 a. M. December 7th, 1941, to the alarm. A little after 8, a bomb struck the a gun temperature receipt 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, be starting a holocaust that would burn for two days and send the arizona 1,177 men, over half the casualties suffered that day entombed honor at the bottom of pearl harbor bay where she remains to this day, a military cemetery. The arizona was a flagship of a friend of my parents and grandparents who raced to her bridge at the first warning. The arizonas last skipper, captain franklin Ben Falkenburg joined him there. Both fought valiantly and perished in the fire. Countless acts of valor and self sacrifice were witnessed that day on the arizona and other ships of the fleet. Hickam field, wheeler field, and bellows field, and the cockpits of outgunned hawks and warhawks, and dauntless dive bombers. That we were defeated by our enemy for a moment has not diminished the nobility of the sacrifices made by americans that day for the sake of duty, honor, and country. Neither does it obscure the magnitude of their real achievement. They fought the first battle and set the first example in the Long Campaign of americas enlightened 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 europe. We defeated our cold war adversary. And we will prevail over the challenges that we face today. [ applause ]. But it began with the courage and faith of those americans who answered their summons to duty at pearl harbor, who gave all the duty asked of them. Its important that we keep the memory of their patriotism alive. Its important that we guard against the complacency that is always a threat to our security. For decades they say hot oil from the arizona bubble to the is surface. It was not only a test brought december 7th, 1941, but it was a warning that freedom is never cheap. And those who lead this greatly defended nation must do our duty always to be watchful and to provide for the common defense where the resources at our disposal so 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. Ladies and gentlemen, it is time we will now have our wreath presentation. Please remain seated as the official party and our world war ii vet is veterans prepare the wreaths. We will have captain humphrey give the benediction, accompanied by our United StatesNavy Ceremonial band. Let us pray. Eternal father, strong to say whose arm has bound restless way and who binds our hearts and spirits one to another across the years and the miles. As we remember with profound gratitude, the devotion to the duty and the heroism of so many at or near pearl harbor on that brave 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 devastation and danger. 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 toward the true and lasting peace that is the fruit of moral strength and righteous courage. As sacred words have it, greater love has no one been this that one lay down his life for his friends. Thus always, always, always we remember pearl harbor. And so hear us when we cry to thee for those in peril on the sea. Amen