#midway76

Midway Atoll National Wildlife Refuge and Battle of Midway National Memorial is home to the world's largest population of albatrosses. Photo credit: Dan Clark/USFWS.

The Battle of Midway is one of the greatest U.S. naval victories of World War II. In 1947, from June 3rd through the 7th, Midway Atoll and the waters near its shores erupted in conflict as the might of the Japanese navy met the resolve of the U.S. military. 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. Midway Atoll still bares the visible marks and scars from the conflict, along with the memorials commemorating the legacy and history of the many people engulfed in the battle.

More than 1,300 miles from Hawaii, Midway Atoll rests approximately half way between Asia and North America. The U.S. military recognized the atoll’s strategic location. During WWII, the atoll was transformed from a tiny spit of land into a base of operations that supported the war in the Pacific. Today, Midway continues to serve as a base of operations, however; it’s now one of conservation, wildlife and cultural heritage.

June 4-7, 2018 marks the 76th anniversary of the Battle of Midway. The U.S. Navy, U.S. National Park Service and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service commemorated the historic event in a special ceremony 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.

 “In just a few moments time, the events of the Battle of Midway, caused the world to pause on its axis as the tables turned on not only the war in the Pacific, but the whole world” said Rear Admiral Brian P. Fort, Commander Navy Region Hawaii and Naval Surface Group Middle Pacific.

Rear Admiral Fort. Photo credit: USFWS

The early morning ceremony 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 Fort who concluded the ceremony with a wreath laying at the Lone Sailor Memorial, accompanied by National Park Service Superintendent Jaqueline Ashwell and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Pacific Marine Monuments Supervisor.  

Ceremony at WWII Valor in the Pacific National Monument. Photo credit: USFWS

Rear Admiral Fort began the wreath presentation with a message for today’s generation of sailors, “This morning as we lay a wreath at the foot of the Lone Sailor statue in memory of those who fought the Battle of Midway.  I charge you to consider the lessons of those who fought that great battle.”

Photo: The 75th Battle of Midway Remembrance Reef Salute. Photo credit: Amy Olliffe

These first few weeks in June give us several opportunities to reflect on and honor the valor and sacrifice of those who have served our country. 

Memorial Day, May 28, is a time to reflect and honor our nation's brave military service members who have sacrificed so much for the sake of so many. It is a day that commemorates U.S. Service Members who gave the greatest sacrifice.

One of the most significant battle of World War II, the Battle of Midway took place June 4-7, 1942. 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. This year, the anniversary of this battle will be commemorating in multiple ceremonies across the world during the first two weeks of June. 

Here is a listing of Memorial Day and Battle of Midway ceremonies throughout Oahu.  

Photo: Sailors stand by to ring the USS Gridley bell in conjunction with the salute to the remembrance reef. Photo credit: Holly Richards/USFWS

Memorial Day Events

69th Annual Honolulu City Mayor’s Memorial Day Ceremony 

National Cemetery Administration will host Memorial Day ceremonies at VA national cemeteries across the country with the help of local communities. Each cemetery and community will add their own special touch of patriotism and “thanks” during the events.

When: Monday, May 28th 8:30 – 10:30 am

Where: National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific

http://www.honolulu.gov/site-clk-cal/icalrepeat.detail/2018/05/28/4229/246%7C1059/mayor-s-memorial-day-ceremony.html

Lantern Floating Ceremony

Held annually on Memorial Day on Oʻahu’s south shore, Lantern Floating Hawaii brings together an estimated 50,000 people on the beach, joined by thousands around the world via live streaming and telecast for an evening of honoring loved ones and generating collective hope toward the future.

When: Monday, May 28th 6:30 – 7:30 pm

Where: Ala Moana Beach Park

http://lanternfloatinghawaii.com/page/ceremony

Photos: Midway Atoll National Wildlife Refuge and the Battle of Midway National Memorial contains the history and relics from WWII. This atoll in the Pacific is an important link in our history. Photo credits: USFWS. 

Battle of Midway Commemoration Events

Battle of Midway 76th Commemoration Ceremony: Honolulu

The 76th Anniversary of the Battle of Midway commemoration ceremony honors the bravery of the veterans that served on Midway Atoll.

When: Friday, June 1, 8:00 - 9:00 am

Where: World War II Valor in the Pacific National Monument

*Note: This ceremony is open to the public. Please visit the Monument website for visitation information: https://www.nps.gov/valr/index.htm

Battle of Midway 76th Commemoration Ceremony: Ewa Field

The 76th Anniversary of the Battle of Midway commemoration ceremony honors the bravery of the veterans that served on Midway Atoll and those lost at Ewa Field.

When: Saturday, June 2nd 9:00 – 11:00 am

Where: Ewa Field World War II Revetment District

*Note: This ceremony is open to the public. Please visit the following link for visitation information: https://amvets-hawaii.org/battle-of-midway/

Battle of Midway 76th Commemoration Ceremony: Midway Atoll

The 76th Anniversary of the Battle of Midway commemoration ceremony at Midway Atoll will honor the valor, commitment, and sacrifice of those who fought in the battle.

When: Wednesday, June 6th

Where: U.S. Navy Memorial, Midway Atoll, Sand Island

*Note: 1300 miles from Honolulu in the remote Pacific Ocean, the Battle of Midway National Memorial is not accessible to the general public. However, photos and information about the ceremony will be shared online. 

Learn more about the history and significance of the Battle of Midway at: 

Battle of Midway National Memorial Film

Remembering the Heroes of Midway

War and Peace at Midway Atoll: Reflections from Battle of Midway Veterans

World War II Era Fighter Plane Discovered at Midway Atoll National Wildlife Refuge and Battle of Midway National Memorial

Midway Atoll National Wildlife Refuge and Battle of Midway National Memorial

Navy Battle History and Archival Images

Looking for more photos of Midway Atoll and past Battle of Midway Commemoration Ceremonies, visit:

Photos of Midway Atoll (USFWS) 

75th Battle of Midway Commemoration