Veterans Day Tributes End with Sunset Ceremony
– Today, Veterans Day observances around the world came to a close with a memorable sunset ceremony held onboard the Battleship Missouri Memorial in the hallowed waters of Pearl Harbor.
The ceremony honored all of America’s Armed Forces veterans, past and present, who have served the country with courage and valor, with many making the ultimate sacrifice. A special tribute was paid to the Filipino veterans of World War II, who fought alongside American soldiers to defeat tyranny and preserve freedom for all.
On historic Battleship Row and with the USS Arizona Memorial just a short distance away, United States Senator Mazie K. Hirono presented the ceremony’s keynote address and praised the Filipino veterans for their dedicated service.
Domingo Los Baños, who served in the 1st Filipino Infantry Regiment in World War II, was the ceremony's distinguished guest speaker and reflected on the sacrifice made by many of his fellow comrades. He was presented with an American flag in honor of his service.
Vince Barfield, director and executive committee member of the USS Missouri Memorial Association, provided the opening remarks and noted the significance of the former USS Missouri, permanently moored in Pearl Harbor, in honoring America’s veterans on a daily basis and teaching today’s generations on the value of service and sacrifice in the name of peace.
Please credit images to Battleship Missouri Memorial.
Caption: U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono delivering the USS Missouri’s Veterans Day Ceremony keynote address.
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Caption: Domingo Los Baños of the 1st Filipino Infantry Regiment was presented with the flag that flew over the USS Missouri on September 2, 2015 – the 70th anniversary of the end of World War II.
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Caption: Domingo Los Baños reflecting during a moment of silence dedicated to honoring veterans who have made the ultimate sacrifice.
Battleship Missouri Memorial
Since opening in January 1999, the Battleship Missouri Memorial has attracted more than 7-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 $27 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.
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Media Contact:
Megan Hesselink
(808) 539-3430
Megan.Hesselink@anthologygroup.com
Jaclyn Hawse
(808) 455-1600 ext. 246
JaclynH@ussmissouri.or