Transcripts For CSPAN3 End Of World War II 75th Anniversary

Transcripts For CSPAN3 End Of World War II 75th Anniversary 20240711

Up next, the 75th Anniversary Ceremony aboard the ship. Veterans, other distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen, welcome to pearl harbor. Its 9 02 a. M. , the moment 75 years ago when this ceremony began on this ship. My name is michael carr. Im the president and chief executive officer of the uss memorial association. Its an honor to serve in that capacity and to be your mc for todays 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. Im going to name them individually and ask that you stand, if youre able, as your name is called and remain standing. Please hold your applause until the end so we may honor them collectively for their service, for their encourage, and for their sacrifice. Mr. Alcon, victor ariola, oscar bagoie, walter chen, jack detour, paul newman, wendell newman, theodore richardson, arthur shack, lambert wi and joseph young. Ladies and gentlemen, our world war ii veterans. [ applause ] [ applause ] its an honor to have you in our company today. The following world war ii veterans also call hawaii home, but unfortunately, were unable to join us in person for todays ceremony. I would like to take a moment to recognize them by name. Julio ramon, william chain and william lom. Next i want to recognize our world war ii veterans who had made plans to travel from the mainland and join us here today on the battleship missouri memorial including 14 veterans who witnessed the ceremony on september 2nd, 1945. In the end, these heroes were unable to travel due to concerns for their health as a result of the covid19 virus. Were saddens to have to make that call, but it was done for the sake of their health. Were honored to have many other dignitaries joining us this morning that i would like to recognize at this time. Please hold your applause until all of the parties have been mentioned. The governor, admiral phil davidson, and delivering the keynote address is secretary mark esper, the u. S. Secretary of defense. Please recognize themg. [ applause ] i would like to take a moment to share a message from senators bob and elizabeth dole. Honorary cochairpersons of the national 75th commemoration of the end of world war ii. This is their message. When we were invited to cochair todays commemoration surrounded by the waters of pearl harbor, we knew the most extraordinary circumstances would keep us from joining you in person. Like everyone, we never imagined such circumstances would come to pass. Please know our hearts are with you this morning and despite the distance, were honored to cochair this 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, we know well the devastation and tragedy of war. At the same time we have seen war summon the greatest qualities which humans are capable. Encourage beyond measure, loyalty beyond words, sacrifice, ingenuity and endurance beyond imagining. The attack on this harbored rang 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 your nation and freedom might parish from the earth. The world war ii generation eliminated one of the greatest threats to peace in the world that the world has ever known. Incredibly, that was not all they gave to our nation. Those americans showed future generations the sacrifice that we must sometimes make to preserve and protect freedom. They demonstrate the insurmountable odds that our country can overcome when we act as one. Most importantly, they provided that even in moments darkened by uncertainty and despair, theres tremendous hope. Through unity, america can always find a way. May god bless the souls who lost their lives in world war ii and the Service Members who restored the worlds peace and may god forever bless the United States of america. Bob and elizabeth dole. [ applause ] join me in welcoming the cochairs of the 75th World War Ii Committee and other members of the committee, please stand. [ applause ] we began todays commemoration ceremony at 9 02 a. M. , which was the time when the surrender ceremony began to bring an end to the most destructive war in world history. On september 2nd, 1945, it was a cloudy, dreary morning in 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 imperil japan gathered aboard this magnificent battleship. Crew members were jammed together on the deck. Everyone wanting to witness history being made. The world was listening and watching as well. As dozens of news outlets and journalists who recorded the ceremony and captured each moment for future generations to remember for all time. 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 indopacific command honor guard. Our National Guard will be performed by emily kershaw. Today is also a celebrated day in hawaiis history. On this day, september 2nd, 1838, the queen was born. She was the last queen of the last sovereign monarch of the hawaiian kingdom. Color guard, parade the colors. Color guard, attention. Color guard, march. Left, left, left right left. Left, left, left right left. Left, left, left, right, left. Left, left march. Left, left, left, right, left. Left turn, march. Present. Present arms. O say, can you see by the dawns early light what so proudly we hailed at the twilights last gleaming . Whose broad stripes and bright stars through the perilous fight oer the ramparts we watched were so gallantly streaming . And the rockets red glare the bombs bursting in air gave proof through the night that our flag was still there oh, say, does that starspangled banner yet wave oer the land of the free and the home of the brave . Order arms. Ready two. Color guard, post the colors. Ready two. Forward march. Left, left, left, right, left. Left, left, left, right, left. Left, left, left, right, left. Left, left, left. Right face. Ready two. Ready two. Left face. Forward march. Left, left, left, right, left. Left, left, left, right, left. Left, left, left, right, left. March. Detail. Colors face. Forward march. Left, left, left, right, left. Offering the queens player this morning is marlene si. Here she is. [ speaking Foreign Language ] our last reigning monarch of hawaii, born on september 2, 1838. Known as a prolific songwriter, a hymn written by the queen. Known as the queens prayer on march 22, 1895. While imprisoned in the palace. She asks for the lords protection, mercy, and loving kindness and forgiveness of those who wronged her. Peace will be our wish now and forever more. Amen. Thank you, marlene. Please be seated. 75 years ago, the japanese delegation had no idea what to expect upon boarding the uss missouri to sign the formal documents agreeing to their surrender to the allied forces. For nearly four years, the war in the pacific had raged as a series of epic battles on land, at sea and in the air. The United States and japan were fueled by a deep hatred for each other. The japanese delegation stood across general Douglas Mcarthur as he signed the document. The following countries signed in this order, the United States, china, the admiral for the United Kingdom, the general for the soviet union, the general for australia, the colonel for canada, and the general from france. Lieutenant admiral from the netherlands and new zealand. The ceremony, though, was not one of vengeance or hatred. Instead the japanese delegation heard words advocating for a lasting peace that would plant the seeds for a bond of friendship that has grown stronger with each generation. With the rest of the world listening intently, general mcarthur not only brought an end to the bloodiest war in modern history, he set the tone for the peace and friendship between the u. S. And japan that continues 75 years later. Well play a video of general mcarthurs remarks from the surrender ceremony. I encourage you to listen carefully to his chosen words and imagine the significance of their meaning when they were delivered days after the fighting had ended. It is my earnest hope and 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 faith and understanding. A world dedicated to the dignity of man and the fulfillment of his most cherished wish, freedom, tolerance, and justice. As Supreme Commander for the allied powers, i announce it my firm purpose in the tradition of the countries i represent to proceed in the discharge of my responsibilities with justice and tolerance, while taking all necessary dispositions to ensure that the terms of surrender are fully, promptly and faithfully complied with. Let us pray that peace may now be restored to the world, that god will preserve it always. These proceedings are closed. These proceedings are closed. But those four powerful words, the deadliest war came to an end. At the conclusion of the ceremony, over 900 fighters and bombers that had been in the air over tokyo bay, dropped down and flew over the missouri. Fighting for peace came with heavy sacrifices by all. But we would like to offer our gratitude to the memory of all those Service Members who fought so bravely, often to their death to make the freedoms we enjoy today possible. Today we gather on was once used as tool of war, but it evolved into a vessel of peace and reconciliation. I would like to call upon steve cologne and cochair of the 75th Commemoration Committee to say a few remarks and introduce our first guest speaker. In 2007, steve retired as a captain after serving 26 years in the navy and navy reserve. One of his career highlights, includes serving in Operation Desert Storm as they escorted the uss missouri into combat operations and witnessed the guns firing. Steve now serves as president of Hunt Development group llcs hawaii division. Please welcome steve colon. [ applause ] thank you, mike. The ship looks great. Thank you. 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 uss missouri memorial association, its 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 hes looking down on us. My good friend and mentor and predecessor tim guard served in this organization for 25 years and was our chairman since 2014. His passion for the missouri pushed us to ensure the mighty mo would be a memorial we could all be proud of. I he how badly tim wanted to be part of this ceremony. It saddens me that we lost him before that could happen. Tim, we miss you, i know youre here with us, though, in spirit. I cant tell you how proud i am of the job our missouri crew members 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 crew members are committed to preserving this iconic battleship and sharing her story and place in our nations history. And what a story that is. 75 years ago today, this ship was witness to arguably the most important surrender in our worlds history. To our missouri staff and volunteers, well done on getting her ready for this special occasion. Were grateful for the dedication and commitment to sharing the uss missouris story and her place in history. I know these six months have been trying on you. And i have to tell you that going forward, we will be sailing into some rough seas. But like the greatest generation before us, i know we will persevere and someday soon well be welcoming visitors back to see this national treasure. My World War Ii Committee cochair, as well as all of your Committee Members who are here and watching for the hard work in planning these events. Its been a very challenging environment, bravo zulu to all of you 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. Lets go ahead and hear from our distinguished guests who have joined us today. First up will be governor ige who will reflect and remember on that day in tokyo and how it resonates for all of us. Both he and admiral davidson served as the 75th world war ii Commemoration Committee cochairs. I was honored to be serving with both of you. Governor ige is the eighth governor of the state of hawaii. Hes the first governor. Hes the son of a decorated veteran of the 442nd Regimental Combat Team who fought so heroically in world war ii. Ladies and gentlemen, please help me give a warm welcome to governor david ige. [ applause ] good morning. It is my honor to welcome everyone, both here and across the nation and the world, to the uss missouri. On this day, on this deck, 75 years ago, we marked the end in the Pacific Theater of a great global war that touched every man, woman, and child of my parents generation. The war took the lives of so many, on all sides. Leaving a vacuum in the roles of those who could have been, who should have been, our scientists, teachers, community leaders, farmers and shopkeepers. They should have been our classmates, our neighbors, and our coworkers. They were our sons, and daughters, our brothers and sisters, and our fathers and mothers. Victory came at a high price, paid by those who suffered and died on the front lines, as well as by those who endured hardship and uncertainty on the home front. It was one by an abiding belief in freedom and democracy and by the strength of character, encourage, 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 it. Their legacy is the hope and the world order they passed onto all of us. Like hawaiis late senator, my own father who served in the famed 442nd Regimental 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 stake my claim to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness because of their actions. After the war, they transformed their fight against tyranny into a life based on the Democratic Values and purpose, showing us that democracy must not only be defended at all costs, but lived 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 weve been. We studied 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 pomp and circumstance and sometimes forget the real reason why we gather, all of these veterans. Moreover, we tend to toss the label hero around freely these days. But these veterans truly exemplify the strictest definition of heroic. Their actions stand up to the rigid test of the heroic and their lives set an example for all of us to follow. Some compare fighting a pandemic akin to fighting a global war. That may or may not be an accurate comparison. What i do know is that we cannot go wrong in following their example in the face of any adversity. Their courage under fire, strength of character, resilience over time provides a clear road map for us to follow in all that we do. Whether were fighting social injustice or a virus. And so there remains only one thing left for us to say to them, thank you. Thank you. [ applause ] and we pray they grasp the depth of those words and the immensity of our depth. God bless you all. Thank you and aloha. [ applause ] thank you, governor. I would like to recognize the governors wife who is with us to see. Mrs. Ige. [ applause ] general mark a. Milley, the 20th chairman of the joint chief of staffs would like to take this opportunity to pay tribute and thank you our world war ii veterans for our bravery and sacrifice to the service of our nation. We remain indebted to the veterans Whose Service demonstrated the selfless action of the greatest generation. Ladies and gentlemen, general mark milley, chairman of the joint chiefs of staff. The greatest generation that took up arms to defend freedom in the Second World War fought for something. They fought for a better peace and from the ashes of the destruction and bloodshed of that war, that terrible war, they established a rulesbased global order, rooted in liberty that has stood for over seven decades. My father and mother are part of that generation. My father trained here and hawaii on maui and from here made the assault landings in saipan and iwo jima while my mother served at a Navy Hospital in seattle caring for the wounded. I reflect on my Parents Service 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 service sense of service, how lucky i was to grow up in a country where we have freedoms of speech, press, religion and the other rights we enjoy on a daily basis. Today, those with firsthand knowl

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