An Evening of Honor and Remembrance
Commemorating the 80th Anniversary of the End of World War II
On Sunday, August 31, 2025, guests gathered at the Battleship Missouri Memorial for an unforgettable evening of honor and remembrance. This formal gala paid tribute to our World War II veterans and the Greatest Generation—including USS Missouri crewmembers who witnessed the historic Surrender.
Celebrate courage, sacrifice, and history at this special evening of gratitude and legacy aboard the Battleship Missouri Memorial.
Held on the Forward Pier, the evening featured dinner, live entertainment, and heartfelt moments of reflection in the company of heroes, their families, and dedicated supporters. Together, we celebrated courage, sacrifice, and the enduring legacy of those who served.
Mahalo to Our Speakers for the Evening
Emcee
Casey Lund
Reporter, Hawai‘i News Now
Casey Lund is a seasoned journalist and anchor with Hawai‘i News Now, bringing over a decade of experience covering major events and stories across the state. His warm presence and professionalism will guide the evening’s program.
Welcome Remarks
Captain Samuel White
Commander, Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam
Captain Samuel White currently serves as Commander of Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, one of the U.S. military’s most strategic installations in the Pacific. A career Naval officer, Captain White has held several leadership roles around the world, including prior command of Naval Station Guantanamo Bay. His service reflects a deep commitment to operational excellence, global security, and the well-being of service members and their families.
Distinguished Guest Speaker
Admiral Stephen T. "Web" Koehler
Commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet
Adm. Steve Koehler grew up in a Navy Family and is a 1986 graduate of the University of Colorado at Boulder with a Bachelor of Science in Physics, where he was commissioned through the Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps (NROTC). Designated a naval aviator in March 1989, he has flown over 3,900 hours in the F-14 Tomcat and F-18 Super Hornet with 600 carrier landings. He holds a master’s degree in National Security and Strategic Studies from the Naval War College and is a graduate of the Joint Staff College and the Navy Nuclear Power Program.
At sea, he served with Fighter Squadron (VF) 211, VF-41; was executive officer aboard USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70), and commanded Fighter Squadron (VFA) 143; USS Bataan (LHD 5); USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69); and Carrier Strike Group Nine. During these operational tours he supported Operations Desert Storm, Southern Watch, Iraqi Freedom, Inherent Resolve, Freedom’s Sentinel, Deliberate Guard, and Unified Protector in support of operations in the Middle East, Bosnia-Herzegovina, and Libya, Operation Unified Response providing emergency disaster relief to Haiti, and peer competition operations in the East and South China Seas.
Ashore, Koehler has served as an instructor pilot with VF-101, placement officer at the Bureau of Naval Personnel, and chief of staff at Joint Task Force Horn of Africa in Djibouti. As a flag officer, he served as director of Fleet Training at U.S. Fleet Forces Command; director for Operations (J3), U.S. Indo-Pacific Command; deputy commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet; commander, U.S. 3rd Fleet, and director for Strategy, Plans and Policy, J5, Joint Staff. He assumed command of U.S. Pacific Fleet on April 4, 2024.
Keynote Speaker
Clifton Truman Daniel
Lecturer, Author, and Eldest Grandson of President Harry S. Truman
Clifton Truman Daniel is the eldest grandson of President Harry S. Truman and honorary chairman of the Truman Library Institute. A published author and historian, he has written two books on his family’s legacy and speaks widely on White House history, diplomacy, and the Truman presidency. He also portrays his grandfather in stage performances and lectures across the country.
