November 11, Veterans Day observances worldwide will culminate with a special sunset ceremony onboard the Battleship Missouri Memorial in Pearl Harbor. Please join us!
Veterans Day Sunset Ceremony
Heroes of Guadalcanal: Remembering Sacrifice, Celebrating Peace
This year marks the 80th anniversary of a pivotal chapter in World War II's illustrious saga, the Battle of Guadalcanal. In the heart of the Pacific, Guadalcanal was a crucial location the U.S. military aimed to secure after the Japanese started utilizing the island's airfield to threaten Allied supply lines.
The battle quickly escalated into a prolonged and brutal struggle for control of the island, involving intense ground combat, naval battles, and aerial engagements. Both sides suffered heavy casualties and endured harsh conditions. The fighting on Guadalcanal was characterized by some of the most ferocious and tenacious battles of the Pacific.
After months of grueling combat, the U.S. forces succeeded in holding Guadalcanal and its airfield, Henderson Field. This triumph represented a major shift in the Pacific War, as it disrupted Japan's efforts to extend its defensive boundaries and granted the Allies a vital position in the Pacific.
This victory ultimately contributed to Japan's retreat and emphasized the importance of control over airfields and strategic islands in the Pacific.
The Battle of Guadalcanal stands as a testament to the extraordinary courage and determination of the Soldiers, Sailors, and Airmen who fought there. These were ordinary individuals thrust into an extraordinary situation, where the line between heroism and everyday life blurred. They embodied the human spirit's ability to triumph over adversity and displayed true bravery and determination to pursue a better, more peaceful world.
Through their sacrifice and valor, the foundations of lasting peace were laid. Guadalcanal, once a battleground, now stands as a symbol of hope and reconciliation, and remains an enduring symbol of sacrifice, resilience, and the high cost of victory during World War II.
Date: November 11, 2023
Time: 4:30 P.M-5:30 P.M
Location:
Fantail, Battleship Missouri Memorial, Pearl Harbor
Free and open to the public
Guests to be seated by 4:15 p.m.
Summer Whites, Service Equivalent or Aloha Attire
For guests without access to Ford Island, a complimentary shuttle service is available from the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center.
Please note bags are not allowed on the shuttle
Parking Information & No Bag Policy
Visit the Battleship Missouri Memorial’s Facebook page and YouTube channel to view the ceremony live.
If you have any questions, please email Events@ussmissouri.org or by calling (808) 455-1600 ext. 220
To view the 2022 Veterans Day Sunset Ceremony Facebook photos, click here
To view the 2022 Veterans Day Sunset Ceremony DeckbLog, click here
To view the 2022 Veterans Day Sunset Ceremony Press Release, click here
Connect
Stay tuned for updates and connect with us online:
Facebook: Battleship Missouri Memorial
Twitter: @USSMissouri
Instagram @BattleshipMissouri
YouTube: Battleship Missouri Memorial
Media Contacts
Jaclyn Hawse
Director of Communications & Business Development, Battleship Missouri Memorial
Tel: (808) 455-1600 x246
Fax: (808) 455-1598
JaclynH@ussmissouri.org
Patrick Dugan
Senior Vice President, Public Relations Group, Anthology Marketing Group
Tel: (808) 539-3411
patrick.dugan@anthologygroup.com
