Veterans Day Tributes End at Pearl Harbor with a Sunset Ceremony Onboard the Battleship Missouri Memorial
Pearl Harbor, HI – (November 11, 2019) – Veterans Day observances nationwide concluded with a sunset ceremony onboard the Battleship Missouri Memorial at Pearl Harbor. All veterans were honored, both past and present, who have served our country with valor and heroism, and with many making the ultimate sacrifice. A special tribute was paid to “USS Missouri Veterans for Protecting America’s Freedom in Three Wars Over Five Decades.”
The USS Missouri and its thousands of crewmembers protected America’s freedoms in three wars over five decades with fortitude and heroism. Notable historical events involving the USS Missouri include Japan’s formal surrender to end World War II, the shore bombardment missions of the Korean War, and the first missile fire of Operation Desert Storm.
George Howell, Commanding Officer of the USS Missouri Virginia-class fast-attack submarine (SSN 780), which is homeported in Pearl Harbor, presented the ceremony’s keynote address.
“Every USS Missouri navy vessel in our history has gone above and beyond the call of duty to make our world a better place and honor the humanity of humankind. That is what I’d like us to remember today.” said Howell. “The 15,000 Sailors that served on this battleship spanning a 54-year period focused on training and readiness, fought through hardships and formed lifelong bonds with each other through fighting and winning wars. Their sacrifices shaped our history and paved the path to where we are today.”
Captain Ken Jordan, USN (Ret.) was the ceremony’s distinguished guest speaker and has the distinction of being the last Executive Officer that served aboard the USS Missouri before it was decommissioned for the second and final time in March 1992.
“Beyond serving on the Missouri, I have great personal fondness for this ship. Hopefully, my tribute to Missouri will be something each of you take away today,” said Jordan. “Heroes in action take on many forms from cyber to submarines to ships from aircraft to amphibs the actions of our Sailors both past and present prove there is no higher honor than to serve in the U.S. Navy.”
Captain Jack Laufer, USCGR (Ret.) Board Member of the USS Missouri Memorial Association, caretaker of the Battleship Missouri Memorial, provided today’s opening remarks and spoke about the commitment to preserve the Mighty Mo and all that it represents.
“The Battleship Missouri Memorial stands tall in Pearl Harbor as a proud tribute to the brave and dedicated members of our military’s Armed Forces, both men and women serving in all branches,” said Laufer. “We are free because of our veterans and those who serve in today’s military. The veterans we honor today came from all walks of life, but share fundamental qualities of courage, pride, determination, selflessness, and dedication to duty and integrity.”
About the Battleship Missouri Memorial
Since opening in January 1999, the Battleship Missouri Memorial has attracted nearly nine 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. General admission, which includes choice of an optional tour, is $29 per adult and $13 per child (4-12). Military, kama‘aina (local resident) and school group pricing is available. For information or reservations, call (toll-free) 1-877-644-4896 or visit USSMissouri.org.
Please credit images to Battleship Missouri Memorial.
Link to image: https://www.dropbox.com/s/wx9n0apaydnghgc/IMG_0533.JPG?dl=0
Caption: 2019 Veterans Day Sunset Ceremony at the Battleship Missouri Memorial
Link to image: https://www.dropbox.com/s/ydf473bkll5atpo/IMG_0664.JPG?dl=0
Caption: The U.S. flag flown over the hallowed waters of Pearl Harbor in honor of Veterans Day
Link to image: https://www.dropbox.com/s/vg7i4wnzxpdxtad/IMG_0601.JPG?dl=0
Caption: Today’s Veterans Day sunset ceremony was attended by veterans, servicemembers, their families and the community
Link to image: https://www.dropbox.com/s/lk5qed1bylgpbym/IMG_0721.JPG?dl=0
Caption: Today’s Veterans Day sunset ceremony was attended by veterans, servicemembers, their families and the community
Link to image: https://www.dropbox.com/s/tkmspmhxek2n03i/IMG_0653.JPG?dl=0
Caption: George Howell, Commanding Officer of the USS Missouri (SSN 780) presented the ceremony’s keynote address
Link to image: https://www.dropbox.com/s/eq84d6g2w4ewqej/IMG_0632.JPG?dl=0
Caption: Captain Ken Jordan, USN (Ret.), the last executive officer of the USS Missouri (BB-63) served as the distinguished guest speaker
Link to image: https://www.dropbox.com/s/22vbxf8ct6de4bq/IMG_0620.JPG?dl=0
Caption: Captain Jack Laufer, USCGR (Ret.), a board member for the USS Missouri Memorial Association presented the ceremony’s opening remarks
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