Phoenix Sailors Participate in Battle of Midway Commemoration

PHOENIX (NNS) -- Sailors from the Navy Operational Support Center and Navy Recruiting District Phoenix joined local officials and military veterans to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the Battle of Midway at the Wesley Bolin Memorial Plaza in Phoenix, June 7.

The memorial, which hosts an anchor from USS Arizona (BB 39), was a fitting backdrop for a ceremony honoring those that fought in one of the biggest battles in the Pacific during World War II.

"I do remember as a young boy feeling very connected to World War II because of the USS Arizona," said Arizona Secretary of State Ken Bennett one of the keynote speakers at the ceremony.

Bennett added that in December 2012 the state will be adding a gun Barrel from the Arizona, along with one from USS Missouri (BB 63), at the memorial symbolizing the beginning and end of the war.

Also present at the commemoration was Henry Hight who was a radiomen first class on USS Portland (CA 33) during the Battle of Midway and assisted in rescuing Sailors who were aboard USS Yorktown (CV 10) before it sank.

"Today we commemorate the significant contributions Arizonans have made to the department of the Navy, and more importantly the Battle of Midway," said Rear Adm. Greg Horn, deputy chief of chaplains for Reserve Matters.

Horn reflected on the heroic stories of Hight and of Ens. John C. Butler, from Liberty, Ariz., who was killed during the battle while providing air support by attacking the enemy carriers. Butler was awarded the Navy Cross posthumously for his bravery and also had a ship named after him, which also fought during the war.

"I ask you, where do we get such great people as these? They came from Arizona," said Horn.

Horn added that although the state is land locked it is rich with naval history and heritage because of the people who served and continue to serve today.

"The battle of Midway is the story about your citizens who rose from ordinary statute to extraordinary acts," said Horn. "Almost 48,000 active duty and reserve Sailors and Marines today hail from Arizona. Ten percent of the United States Navy comes from this state, and I don't see a port anywhere."

For more news from Navy Recruiting District Phoenix, visit www.navy.mil/local/nrdphoenix/.