Today is September 2 – the 66th Anniversary of the end of WWII. Consequently our group was whisked away in the early hours of the morning (0600) to go participate in the official commemoration ceremony onboard the deck of the mighty U.S.S. Missouri. The ship was decorated appropriately, flying banners and naval flags, and lined with officers and enlisted men from each service, waiting to greet the veterans as they came aboard. Each of the veterans took their seats in the front row of the crowd, sitting just under the muzzles of the dominating 18” guns on the bow of the ship.
Also, in attendance were several dignitaries and representatives including the Mayor of Honolulu, the consul generals of Australia, Japan, and the Philippines, the commanders of the Pacific Fleet Carrier Strike Group Seven, and a host of others. The ceremony’s proceedings included several very touching components such as speeches given by Rear Admiral Girrier, Commander, Carrier Strike Group Seven, USS Ronald Reagan and our very own Dr. E. Bruce Heilman. The posting of the colors was accompanied by musical renditions of “My Country ‘Tis of Thee” and “God Bless America” by the Naval Pacific Fleet Band. Old Glory was given due respect as a number of sailors and airmen passed the folded flag down a line, each one saluting solemnly as it was passed while a poem was read about our nation’s banner, what she symbolizes, and how proud she is to stand for so great a nation.
The day’s proceedings were finalized by a 21 gun salute fired from atop the battleship’s enormous turret, and followed quickly by the playing of taps. The service was so patriotic and emotional that several of the veterans wandered around the deck of the ship afterward asking where they could reenlist. Then, as each of the veterans disembarked, a row of Sailors, Airmen, Soldiers, and Marines lined the deck on either side, saluting as each of the veterans passed by.
Upon arriving back at the hotel everybody was given the afternoon off to party like it was 1945. Some people took the opportunity to go swimming, some to shop, and others to simply rest. Wrapping up the evening, we enjoyed a dinner that several veterans remarked was the best yet, then followed it up by viewing a local fireworks display. It has certainly been a day to remember.
