>> good morning ladies and gentlemen and welcome to today's joint national park service united states navy national pearl harbor remembrance day ceremony. i am the lieutenant commander robert franklin deputy chief of staff for the commander naval service group and i am truly honored to serve as the master of ceremonies on this historic 75th anniversary this is honoring the past and future and we will pay tribute to the members of the greatest generation who paved the way for the current and future generations throughout the

world. will the guests pleaswhile the r the arrival of the official party. the official party for today's ceremony includes jacqueline ashwell superintendent world war ii valor in pacific national monument park service the regional director pacific west region national park service. navy region hawaii and naval service group the pacific

♪ ♪ united states pacific command arriving. ♪ ♪

please be seated. ladies and gentlemen it is customary december 7 we observe a moment of silence as 0755 to commemorate the beginning of the attack on pearl harbor. 0755 you will hear the ship whistle. please join me at the time bowing our heads for a moment of silence to remember those that courageously fought and those who died here december 71941. the f-22 raptors from the 199 and the 19th squadron for the flyover formation from just beyond the arizona memorial and continuing over the island in honor of those who gave their lives here 75 years ago today.

you may see one pull away from the formation and fly to the club's honor on december 7 the gap in the formation represents the fallen comrades and we shall always remember their sacrifice.

please rise for the morning colors and the singing of the national anthem by the third class united states pacific band and state song. sound attention. colorguard purveyed the colors.

the national anthem. ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ and the rockets red glare ♪ the bombs bursting in air ♪ gave proof through the night ♪ that our flag was still there ♪

oh say does that star spangled banner yet wave ♪ o're the land of the free ♪ and the home of the brave ♪ ♪ please remain standing for the hawaii state song. ♪ ♪

♪ ♪ please remain seated. approaching you'll see the guided missile destroyer commanded by the commander of bridgeport connecticut. earlier this morning they render

honors to the memorial. since december 71941, uss arizona are the only two shifts but remain in the harbor of servicemembers returning honor was the survivor go by air. those that are here with us today as well as all of the utah service members. it is customary for those passing the memorial to pay respect despite rendering honors. today in addition to the arizona memorial, they will also render honors to the survivors who gathered with us today. mr. donald stratton with rhonda what we -- rodriguez for all pearl harbor survivors when the

attack started the van 19-year-old first-class donald stratton just finished breakfast when he saw the japanese plane he ran to his battle station even before the general alarm sounded. during the attack, donald stratton suffered severe burns oover 60% of his body. following the attack, he spent nearly a year governing from his injuries to returned to the sea when he was able to do so. he's one of the five known survivors at arizona and stands on stage today for all pearl harbor survivors.

all pearl harbor survivors and veterans are invited to stand as is able. mr. donald stratton will now turn to salute. [applause] ' survivors and veterans please be seated we think the 199th fighter squadron for participating in today's

ceremony. the religious leader or spiritual advisor. today we are pleased to have a hawaii a blessing.

♪ our father in heaven, good morning heavenly father, our dear creator, our pearl harbor

survivors that are physically hear my prayer also is dedicated to the great heroes that lost their lives that day were also spiritually here sitting and walking among us. i come before and asked to make things right and to ask for forgiveness for the pain and suffering has been for so long that in doing so there shall be a commitment beginning from this

day for peace and in this piece it's shall translate to world peace. gracious and heavenly father, enough of the war are here on this sacred day we all come humbly and we ask to love one another until we are received allow us to be at peace. i ask them see these things in the sacred name amen. for the past 35 years the religious committee for the duration has honored a prayer for peace on this occasion. we are honored to once again have them here as part of the

ceremony. fothe lord by the english translation. [inaudible]

[inaudible] [speaking in native tongue] [speaking japanese]

[speaking japanese] [speaking japanese] / [speaking japanese]

[speaking japanese] in 1982, our organization to japan religious committee for the world federation participated in the religion conference in new york city. and we also visited pearl harbor at that time. the time. this is our 35th year to offer players for peace and consolation to the arizona

memorial. this year commemorates the 75th anniversary of pearl harbor attacks and the 71st anniversary of the end of world war ii. it is a most appropriate time to reflect on the shared past so the great wisdom and lessons learned from history may be passed on to future generations. we are gathered here today in the name of peace. given how the countries were sworn enemies at one point in time, this is a most remarkable thing. we are living proof that time heals and that it is possible to become the best of friends and allies and to have the deepest consideration and trust for one another. after the summit in japan this may president obama took the time to visit. in his speech for peace, he said there is a future we can choose in which hiroshima and nagasaki

are known not as the dot of donf atomic warfare at the start of our own moral awakening. working together to share the wisdom of our forebears is paramount. we all must do whatever we can so that true world peace and happiness can be achieved for the sake of humanity. let us pray. mail asking peace prevail in the world and all of mankind is no true happiness. may we all live together peacefully in this home that we share and made our planet become a shining beacon of love, compassion, joy and sincerity for all. thank you very much.

>> today's commemoration is cohosted as it has been since 2005 by the national park service and united states navy. here to share the official welcome on behalf of the national park service is jacqueline ashwell of the national monument who will introduce the guest speaker the regional director. then the navy cohost commander navy region hawaii and the service group pacific will offer a welcome and introduced the keynote speaker commander united states pacific command. [applause]

>> is mit is my pleasure to sers a cohost and welcome you to the national pearl harbor remembrance day commemoration marking the 75th anniversary if you could please hold your applause until the end. the honorable governor of the state of hawaii, the honorable governor of the state of arizona, the honorable governor commonwealth of the asylum. the honorable herschel of the veterans affairs. the commander u.s. pacific command.

admiral william, former commander u.s. pacific command. thomas fargo former command. former commander u.s. pacific command. the honorable spencer lieutenant governor state of utah. the lieutenant governor state of hawaii. the honorable jeanine davidson undersecretary of the navy. the honorable franklin parker assistant secretary of the navy for manpower and reserve affai affairs. admiral scott swift commander u.s. pacific fleet.

general robert brown commanding general u.s. army pacific. commander pacific air force. lieutenant general marine forces pacific. former commander u.s. army forces command. former commander u.s. pacific fleet, general gary north, former commander u.s. pacific air force. the honorable kirk caldwell the mayor of the city and county of honolulu. the mayor of the county.

the mayor in japan and members of the core and senior executive service and all other general officers elected and appointed leaders, welcome. [applause] nestled along the waters along the stream is the visitor center where more than a million and a half come each year to learn the history of the pacific war. the national park service is a proud steward of the memorials dedicated to the uss arizona,

the uss oklahoma and utah. collectively, these and other memorials represent those who were lost on december 71941. over the years we have collected interviews of hundreds of survivors both military and civilian, other world war ii veterans as well as americans of japanese incarcerated during the boer. the library of a collection gives us the opportunity to share the stories of those who witnessed and died during the attack were who were otherwise affected by the war. this morning on the 75th anniversary i will share the accounts of a few of those that experienced the attack.

their stories honor our past and inspire our future. on the uss arizona, there was a working party rating for the church services this morning. the white canvas awning snapped in the breeze. the sun was warm, the clouds were high, and all things considered, the day was perfect. in the distance, unidentified planes started coming in below from the southeast. heavy explosions began booming down the island. ..

>> >> i was a patient that day and i just placed my breakfast tray on the floor when we heard all the sounds . iran after her and you

disease all the smoking in pearl harbor. the japanese are bombing pearl harbor in vice say that we all need to be on duty than the nurses treated dead great number of the wounded and dying. in honolulu a terrified community brought it so together and among the first action that day they responded to 39 colloids to those federal crews battling multiple fires the department lost three firefighters that day.

and engine six. in time, add the u.s. government of the civilian firefighters killed on december 7 the old u.s. civilian firefighters in history to be so honored. and then we watch over the of memorial to preserve the memories know it is to experience the attack that their words will live forever. and then to keep alive for future generations to honor

the past and inspire the future to help the world learned of lesson of history . today uss arizona memorial for of the betty served in uniform during world war two across da harbor is a symbol of hope and and a symbol of respect and resilience it catches the best in greatest ideals and all of our hearts. the uss arizona stands as a reminder of the event of that sunday morning and it has different meanings for those to visit their. to speak silently and eloquently before they'll

live in peace. thank-you. aloha. [applause] now if it is my pleasure to introduce our national park service regional director the overseas operations for 61 units and in three e. territories of the pacific we are able to do our jobs here in pearl harbor to preserve the memory banks to the leadership and support. [applause]

>> thank-you. from pearl harbor they all share a common bond to the people of the united states. there are historic site says part of the national park service to gather at these places to understand and honor as we commemorate the 70th anniversary of pearl harbor to the desert memories of "war and peace." in that best idea than national parks from maine to the pacific national

historic park can glom places of st. retreat and discovery. and with those lands that were being threatened in the landscapes originated in places like yellowstone and yosemite and not just a landscape that gateway to many stories. as a number of parks increase it became clear that it dedicated agency and president woodrow wilson to create legislation to establish the national park service from the department

of the interior august 25, 1916. and 20 years later another president with this new n you needed venture of preservation management that there is nothing so american is our national parks. but the idea behind the parks in this for the in richmond of the lives of all us. but over the past 10 decades we have as us country set aside the best of america hostile offer. also to set aside the stories of our past with the history that we celebrate as well as the monuments we should never forget there are over 400 such places of

reflection and national park service shares with the people of the united states in the world. today's ceremony is taking place at the national park service centennial year what is a part to you? i ask you look upon pearl harbor and ask what that memorial means to you but for myself i believe it is not new a a tribute to the men who lost their lives but to strive to a world of peace where reconciliation is achievable and with your

national park service of the landscape that surrounds that. aloha. [applause] >> ladies and gentlemen it is my pleasure to introduce our co-host does well as here in pearl harbor how wide please welcome the regional commander john fuller.

[applause] >> on behalf of the united states navy we welcome to everyone and historic commemoration to the most honored guest in survivors and other veterans thank you for ordering us with your participation our objective is to honor the past and inspire the future we remember your lost shipmates the service and sacrifice. we offer you the most heartfelt for all your sacrifice and suffering on december 7th most in you word teenagers are in your early 20s back home their

families with long to hear any news mothers, fathers mothers, fathers, sisters, b rothers or grandparents all loved ones that were desperately looking to hear news about the fate of their boys meanwhile survivors face the recovery joined by the navy divers and shipyards civilians and citizens from hawaii you responded and resurrected pearl harbor and the pacific fleet. he felt the shock canton during the brief to show the burden to bring the world back into balance and in the days after the attack as the information came along it would take weeks to get detailed news to families and in some cases it took

months. people stood in endless lines and on the mainland that some preseason news. family, family is the most precious institution. the most precious possession yet in war they are victims the second world war chronicle call it the greatest cataclysmic victory to go on to say a grad of anchor and arrogance and bigotry and the lust for power and ended because of those other human qualities and selflessness of

leadership and the hogger for freedom combine to change the course of human events those who served in world war two who earned the freedom and prosperity of today that have been bestowed upon us as a lasting legacy of freedom as you polish that with your courage and commitment. serving in world war ii that we have enjoyed for decades. and with the stability you deserve that freedom without reconciliation and inspire greater equality and civil rights and turn our commitment for pearl harbor.

after that date to change the world forever. as a humble beneficiary of one to offer my sincere and heartfelt thanks. today we are fortunate to hear from the perspective of un need chief -- navy chief one tuesday how far we have come in seven decades. a tough and courageous leader and a diplomat and a fighter. when you talk about the area that he needs, army, air for its common navy and marines that is a big area of responsibility area on and over the seat to encompass half of the world's surface. or from the arctic to the

antarctic to california to india, a responsibility and a lot of good deeds shall mine honor to introduce the pacific command averell harris. [applause] >> note to self never follow a small man to the podium. one more time for the pacific police bay and and for the national anthem. [applause] the mccann that the men and women that we honor

today from 75 years ago never today or failed to stand with the national anthem is played. [cheers and applause] [applause]

>> and with your stewardship ladies and gentlemen good morning. the land of the free and the home of the brave means something special for every american and every day but today it takes on extraordinary significance in this hallowed place several board to veterans and survivors on our military bases all across and including right here in pearl harbor. seventy-five years ago they were about to conduct morning colors and they were surprised hear the sounds of the real bombs bursting in air of our nations and the at dawn's early light to they ran to their battle stations and to the sound of the kansas they moved to begin the defense of our country. to welcome these patriots with a round of applause.

[applause] [cheers and applause] [cheers and applause] mentioning our distinguished guests but with like to recognize the few the state

and city leaders and the mayor and the diplomatic corps chief of naval operations and the officers to support those executives thanks for highlighting the veterans past and present for the second tier in narrow. thanks for entertaining our troops to the national park service for what you do everyday to remember these hallowed places and congratulations. distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen, just prior to the attack 75 years ago on a morning not unlike this one, people not of my guests were waking up to enjoy another day in paradise. those were thinking about

spending the day on the beach or playing baseball hanging out with friends or listening to the battle of the band's right here on base. no one knew it would be the last moment of peace for almost four years. those horrific events that took place for the territory , we were attacked all across oahu in discourse right here pearl harbor. upon the shoulders of brave americans like those here in the front row to respond to reprise his that fateful day . the surprise assault by the imperial japanese navy lasted 110 minutes almost as long as this speech. [laughter] and unquestionable heroism even as a day of sacrifice

and immeasurable loss and a less than two hours 2400 killed, 1200 wounded in the majority of the fleet taken out of action. catastrophic by any standard . we see them all around us the battleship uss arizona and utah still in to dinner the waters behind to be. uss oklahoma memorial and of bodies of the veterans better with us today they remind us of our history and how america unresponsive with dollar we have a precious opportunity to reflect the way of one means to be a patriot tested by war and to reflect on the blessings of liberty. they say hindsight is 2020

for history has shown us the alarm bells were sounding for throughout the '30's. we watched as the military dictatorship in germany became the growing power with fascist italy alighting itself to not see germany but we look last tuesday the militaristic rise of imperial japan and we relocated the pacific fleet from california to hawaii in 1940 to give pause to a potential adversary the original rebalancing if you will. even so 75 years ago they were caught flatfooted the military and first responders again staggering on eds to engage the enemy as best they could. for those who gave we have a

deep sense of sorrow. they did not go quietly and along with those who survive the merger fight and old smelly when world war two. those who survived pearl harbor left us a warning remember pearl harbor and keep america alive he eternal vigilance is the price of liberty and don't ever be caught by strategic surprise again but again 15 years ago we were surprised by a major attack on our soil not by a nation state but by terrorism as before in the preceding decade alarm bells were ringing. even as we worked hard to understand nobody could have anticipated the methodology

the twine -- behind those attacks in new york on that day. there is the passage in the good book for those who responded in 1941 and did in 2001. god was searching for the man with the right stuff to embark on a dangerous mission to a dangerously and throat whom shall i send? to show gophers and i cns said send me. send me. with our nation was attack 75 years ago today and then began six years later in the york lady liberty called out of her pain and anguish to south -- shall i send

everywhere soldiers and sailors and civilians called out here am i america. send me. here i am. send me. [cheers and applause] america is the country because of young men and women that forgo going down easy street they travel instead along the uncertain road instead of life on the edge of nature america is blessed beyond riches to have so many men and women with courage to step forward

to do whatever it takes to defend whenever they the liberty is n jeopardy like the greatest generation to answer that clarity call of the nom and the cold war and the goal for those following 9/11. but even to the end of the earth. of free nation and then have a service to country and service to self. [applause] so every december 7th for those of the past put it to

realize said depth of eight pacific and the most consequential region of america's future. and is made to so and is the region of rapid currents but also in and competition and president reagan once said you just witness said demonstration of america's resolve around the raptors flowing over head.

who with the uss your base is here and stand watch to ensure the vigilance to keep america safe and to defend ever very way of life the force that we have ever seen exist because of the legacy of the men and women whenever nation needed is a the most. seventy-five years ago today. the selfless service of the greatest generation of the civilians of the home front won the peace by ending the award. to define the national heritage for their faith in the nation. the 75th commemoration events from all walks of life and across generations

i see tears and laughter and i am reminded of the stories my father would tell me as a militiaman and in aircraft carrier that deploys a few days before the attack. as part of the greatest generation we can still hear their stories of honor and courage as the ghost walks amongst us the spirit speaks to us. and we are fortunate to listen and learn and to the tuskegee airmen and others who are watching the broadcast across america.

the future belongs to the brave. our country is defined and invigorated as we rise today to be emboldened friday interrupted service of those who came before us and carried on word of those young men and women who serve today the joint force commander here in the pacific i give you my word that 380,000 civilians in four years that comprise the u.s. pacific command are ready to fight so we may always be great. please remember pearl harbor and the attacks across oahu we remember their response from the sons and daughters who brought those stars and stripes through fights at north africa and, midway calamine guadalcanal all so

pet by that many but across the club is with the staunch ally japan turning into france with their shared interest another of lasting legacy of that generation. as we look upon us history of the u.s.s. arizona memorial behind me take comfort want to know the veterans continue to stand watch over the angels a variation. i will conclude by saying we assume liberty's mantle past them with the unbroken chain

over 75 years. no one has a just wrong to stand in global watch for generations to come as they are passed to our children and children's children we will stand watching continue to fight against tyranny and injustice. so for those watching at home we will never forget your courage under fire and insurmountable odds. because of you the future remains bright. we owe you the immeasurable debt and we cannot think he may never answering the call of duty when we needed it the most. may god bless our reigning to discard past and present an answer that clarion call may god bless the beautiful state of hawaii and the

minnesota states of of america up. to shout out the land of the free and the home of the brave. [cheers and applause] >> the but the -- this is an expression of our gratitude

and appreciation as sacrificed and serve it berger today we have pierrot's military and civilian delos their lives 1941. this morning will place the wreath to honor the territory of marines to be presented by parks service rangers and retired military . pass to present to honor those who fought in the name of freedom 75 years ago to recognize our veterans and current active duty members that continue to solve our country also that our were future generation may never forget those sacrifices that to place and continue to take place every day.

that territory of hawaii but as a base by one of the great disrepair for its debt to expedite the return to the fleet. those to open their services and homes to those who are learning from more patrols said today with a strategic and will thumping military continuing to offer a lot to all.

but will the civilian survivors and witnesses please stand as you are able [applause] ♪ ♪ ♪

please be seated. the united states army. while many history books focus on the pearl harbor attack the united states german army fought diligently to defend there post to the airfield to the pleas stand as you were able. [applause]

♪ ♪ ♪ [applause] please be seated. united states marine corps. but the arizona and merrill

made a part of each pew ships but then they perish in for a killed by an representing they and and per ranger from new mexico was the fan and -- all the veterans please stand. [applause] ♪ ♪ ♪

. >> please be seated. united states navy. 1,199 sailors survived the attacks on pearl harbor cannot follow direct the beanie best to help them skate to the burning in this and this is an it weeks that we've followed to.

>> we will all live above our veterans. navy veterans please stand as you are able. [cheers and applause] [applause] please be seated united

states air force. the united states air force was referred to as the army air corps and as the hawaiian year force in oahu. on december 7th lieutenant's scrambled to their aircraft parked in the field and took off against incredible odds. representing united states airforce from michigan all care force veterans please stand as able. [applause] ♪ ♪ ♪

please be seated. united states coastguard. the time of the attack the coastguard officials were all station in honolulu. but then they intercepted a dispatch that claim destruction of a submarine later they came under fire red did not suffer any casualties.

to be from sandi ward in and park ranger will all coastguard veterans please stand as you are able. [applause] ♪ ♪ ♪ >> please be seated in an

also to our visitors. was all survivors in veterans please remain seated and so we can honor you. in the recent book in who hits here with us today, and something more courage to heroics and fell in - - fowler that was more sacrifice and anybody should see in 10 lifetimes. but to survivors and veterans, they responded and prevailed. on december 7, 1941 and in the years that followed superbly executed riposte to weather the storm of war and because of you and others like you that we enjoy freedom and liberty in this

great country. also with the rules for these joining me to express our appreciation. [applause] [applause]

[cheers and applause] [cheers and applause] >> please be seated. a vintage aircraft will soon fly overhead this aircraft was the economic civilian counterpart to of pilot surrogate the thousands of world war two pilots came

home to fly with many common features with the army air corps fighter only 1,100 were manufactured in 1951. please rise as able and remain standing for that benediction by the pacific fleet and. the admiral will now offer the bin they used diction. please pray with me. all almighty in the "journal" guide the, we ask that you would bless the hero that would distinguish themselves that morning and in the years that followed. with each passing year to have those sacrifices from

ever neglecting the cause that so many paid to preserve our freedom and defend our liberty is inspired by their tributes offered to those who gave deal thomas sacrifice, a weekend in us the same spirit and commitment to define complacency in the face of evil in never allow us to forget those that define the nation are now the responsibility of every american citizen to uphold. be vigilant in the cause for peace in may we remain in your grace. in the face of your name we pray. >> standby. salute.

[guns firing] [guns firing] [guns firing] ♪ ♪ ♪

♪ ♪ ♪ please remain standing for the departure of are honored guests. following the departure for our veterans to participate in the walk of water - - block of honor

the united states pacific command departing. [bels ringing]

on behalf of these parks service thanks for attending the 75th anniversary of the attack on a what do country member the sacrifices made by those here on december 7th december 7th, 19401. and if you are watching this ceremony is through online broadcast we offer a sincere owe copper co in the pacific war birds for providing our attributes into our volunteers to make today's ceremony possible we will be in the harbor conducting a water tribute and all military and civilian survivors in world war two veterans in attendance are invited to participate in the tribute.

as service members from all branches please enjoy the patriotic band and always remember pearl harbor. [applause] ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪

♪ ♪ ♪

[inaudible conversations]

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