Battle of Midway 75th Anniversary Commemoration Ceremony Honors American Service and Sacrifice in the Pacific

June 5, 2017 marks the 75th anniversary of the Battle of Midway. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, U.S. Navy and the National Park Service commemorated the historic event and honored the veterans of the battle in a special ceremony that took place on both Midway Atoll and at the World War II Valor in the Pacific National Monument. The American victory at Midway was a turning point of the war in the Pacific, and is considered one of the most important naval battles in U.S. history.

The commemorative wreath honoring those who lost their lives in the Battle of Midway. A. Oliffe/USFWS

The early morning ceremony at World War II Valor in the Pacific National Monument honored the many veterans whose determination and sacrifice led to the U.S. and allied forces victory in the war in the Pacific. The ceremony featured remarks from Rear Admiral Andrew Singer (U.S. Navy, retired), Deputy Director for Intelligence, U.S. Pacific Command, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Pacific Regional Director Robyn Thorson, and World War II Valor in the Pacific National Monument Superintendent Jacqueline Ashwell.

“We commemorate this event in history to give honor to those who carried it out and to those who continue to carry forth the American spirit of sacrifice, service, duty and over-coming adversity with honor, courage and commitment.”  said Rear Admiral Singer.

The U.S.Pacific Fleet Band and a joint color guard representing all military branches contributed to the solemnity of the day. A.Oliffe/USFWS

The ceremony included a live video stream of the joint U.S. Navy and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service 75th commemoration that took place on Midway Atoll. Two veterans of the Battle of Midway, Colonel John F. Miniclier and Sergeant First Class Edgar R. Fox, were present at the ceremony on Midway to represent the remaining survivors of the historic battle. Colonel Miniclier and Sergeant Fox were among the Sailors, aviators and Marines who laid their lives on the line against the Japanese attack, triumphing against all odds during the three-day assault in which the Americans were outnumbered and outgunned.

“There are moments of history that are stunningly singular and stand out as pivotal where destiny does turn on a moment, such was the battle of Midway,” said Regional Director Thorson. “The Battle of Midway also merits attention and telling its story, our respect, paying tribute and remembering. Thank you to the veterans of all branches of the service, including those at today’s ceremony and those on active duty, our American lives and livelihood stands on your shoulders.”

As stewards and caretakers of the Battle of Midway National Memorial and Midway Atoll National Wildlife Refuge, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service preserves the memory those who gave their all at Midway.

“I really can’t think of a better use of the place,” Sgt. Fox stated. “The Refuge is a great monument to the people who passed here.”

The ceremony concluded with Sailors from the U.S. Navy conducting a ceremonial salute and wreath-laying. The U.S. Pacific Fleet Band and a joint color guard representing all military branches contributed to the solemnity of the day.

A rolling salute by U.S.Navy Sailors. H Richards / USFWS

The U.S. Navy recognized the Battle of Midway as one of the most significant dates in naval history. The Battle of Midway National Memorial and Midway Atoll National Wildlife Refuge is a place where the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, volunteers and partners work together to conserve and protect this amazing historical and natural resource.    

• For photos and videos of today’s ceremony in Honolulu and on Midway Atoll visit  http://bit.ly/Midway75

• For a video about the Battle of Midway and Battle of  Midway National Memorial visit https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=un9y70Dw9Rc&feature=youtu.be

• For details about the 75th Battle of Midway commemoration visit www.midway75.org

• To learn more about the Midway Atoll visit, www.fws.gov/refuge/Midway_Atoll

• For high resolution images from the Battle of Midway, please visit https://www.history.navy.mil/our-collections/photography/wars-and-events/world-war-ii/midway.html     

• For more information on the Battle of Midway, please visit https://www.history.navy.mil/browse-by-topic/commemorations-toolkits/wwii-75/battle-of-midway.html