Veterans Day Tributes End at Pearl Harbor with a Sunset Ceremony Aboard the Iconic Battleship Missouri Memorial
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Pearl Harbor, HI – (November 11, 2023) – Today’s Veterans Day observances across our nation came to a close with a sunset ceremony held onboard the Battleship Missouri Memorial at Pearl Harbor.
This year's ceremony featured a special tribute commemorating the 80th Anniversary of the Battle of Guadalcanal. The theme, "Heroes of Guadalcanal: Remembering Sacrifice, Celebrating Peace," not only paid homage to the indomitable spirit of those who fought in this pivotal battle but also acknowledged the enduring peace that followed in its wake.
The Battle of Guadalcanal stands as a testament to human resilience, triumphing over adversity to forge a more peaceful world. Their sacrifices transformed Guadalcanal from a battleground into a symbol of hope, reconciliation, and the enduring values of sacrifice and resilience from World War II.
"As we stand in reflection and gratitude on this Veterans Day, we are honored to pay special tribute to all of our veterans, especially those who fought with remarkable courage during the Battle of Guadalcanal," said Michael Carr, president and CEO of the USS Missouri Memorial Association. “Their sacrifices are the foundation of our freedom, and our heartfelt appreciation extends to all the brave men and women who have served our nation with unwavering dedication in preserving peace."
Representative Jill Tokuda presented the ceremony’s keynote address. Rep. Tokuda was elected in November 2022 to the 118th Congress, and serves on the House Committee on Agriculture, the Committee on Armed Services, and the Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Pandemic.
"I look at all of our veterans with great thanks and with great hope. Your sacrifices over decades and countless military campaigns have laid the foundation for peace throughout the world," said Representative Jill Tokuda. “Your commitment to service above self inspires and drives us to honor and make good on the sacrifices you have made for our families, state, and country. Thank you to our veterans and to their families, for whom we have asked far too much, and for whom we can never do enough in return.”
Marine Colonel Matthew Brannen, acting Deputy Director for Operations of the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency, served as the distinguished guest speaker. Col. Brannen spoke about his notable overseas deployments supporting joint combat operations and reflected on the impact that his fellow veterans have had on our country.
"The USS Missouri, a floating museum in Pearl Harbor reminds us of the power of unity and the sacrifices made to protect the freedom and democracy. Freedom is never free and is defended by hearts of gold and nerves of steel,” said Colonel Matthew Brannen. "Our veterans embody patriotism, love of country, and a willingness to serve and sacrifice. On this Veterans Day let us honor their service in both words and actions, and support our veterans to ensure their sacrifices are remembered."
Chairman of the USS Missouri Memorial Association's Board of Directors, Captain Steve Colón, USN (Ret.) provided today’s opening remarks. He is also a Gulf War combat veteran and a retired Navy Captain.
"Veterans Day serves as a powerful reminder of the unbroken thread that connects our generations of service," said Captain Steve Colón. "Our veterans are the guardians of freedom and their dedication and sacrifice have shaped the world we live in today. On this day we express our unwavering gratitude for their service."
Against the backdrop of Pearl Harbor's hallowed waters, our Veterans Day sunset ceremony included a moment of silence to remember America’s fallen heroes, a rifle salute from the Marine Corps Air Station Kaneohe Bay, and the playing of Echo Taps by the U.S. Pacific Fleet Band.
Link to Livestream: The Battleship Missouri Memorial livestreamed this event on its YouTube or Facebook page.
Please credit photos to the Battleship Missouri Memorial:
Caption: 21 rifle salute provided by Marine Corps Air Station Kaneohe Bay, Marine Corps Base Hawai‘i.Link: https://finnpartners.box.com/s/27prdwpwg7xtuliwthmue9uxoej7n1jr
Caption: Veterans Day Sunset Ceremony at the Battleship Missouri MemorialLink: https://finnpartners.box.com/s/rz3wyjfcjyerhe32skjk5ivrealgap00
Caption: Representative Jill Tokuda provided the Keynote Address.Link: https://finnpartners.box.com/s/1wpey4c1vhhtzuazjb8a5ez3nyoyvz9a
Caption: Colonel Matthew Brannen, Deputy Director for Operations (Acting), Defense POW/MIAAccounting Agency (DPAA) as the distinguished guest speaker.Link: https://finnpartners.box.com/s/3k8v28pisybkyppmjiwryey53ctd9vtp
Caption: Captain Steve Colón, USN (Ret.), Chairman of the USS Missouri Memorial Association’s Board of Directors provided the opening remarks.Link: https://finnpartners.box.com/s/kl4eqsmf7x6mzty966vc2kajiag4ag3f
About the Battleship Missouri Memorial
Since opening in January 1999, the Battleship Missouri Memorial has attracted more than 10-million visitors from around the world with a fascinating tour experience showcasing the USS Missouri’s unique place in history. Located a mere ship’s length from the USS Arizona Memorial, the Mighty Mo completes a historical visitor experience that begins with the “day of infamy” and sinking of the USS Arizona in Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, and ends with Japan’s formal surrender aboard the USS Missouri in Tokyo Bay on September 2, 1945.
The USS Missouri had an astounding career over five decades and three wars – World War II, the Korean War, and Desert Storm – after which it was decommissioned and donated to the USS Missouri Memorial Association, Inc., a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. The Association operates the Battleship Missouri Memorial as a historic attraction and oversees her care and preservation with the support of visitors, memberships, grants, and donations.
The Battleship Missouri Memorial is open daily from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Military, kama‘āina (local resident) and school group pricing is available. For information or reservations, call (808) 455-1600 or visit USSMissouri.org.
For information or reservations visit USSMissouri.org.
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Media Contact:Danielle Soliven (808) 539-3430 Danielle.Thomson@finnpartners.com
Jaclyn Hawse(808) 455-1600 x246JaclynH@ussmissouri.org
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