Battle of Midway 71st Anniversary Commemorated at U.S. Navy Memorial

WASHINGTON (NNS) -- Naval District Washington commemorated the 71st anniversary of the Battle of Midway with a wreath-laying ceremony at the U.S. Navy Memorial, June 4.

The Battle of Midway took place from June 4-8, 1942, and is considered to be a turning point for the Allies in the Pacific campaign of World War II. The battle proved to be the first decisive victory by the United States in the war with Japan. Prior to the battle, the forces of Imperial Japan had been gaining ground throughout the Pacific, and had been taking a toll on U.S. forces in the process.

Though only seven months after the surprise attack on U.S. forces at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, the Battle of Midway sent a message to all that the U.S. would stand and fight in the Pacific.

While it was a decisive victory for the U.S., it was hard fought. By June 8, the Japanese Imperial Navy had lost four of its aircraft carriers, one cruiser, and nearly 250 aircraft in the battle. Though victorious, the U.S. still suffered losses of men and materiel with one aircraft carrier and one destroyer sunk.

At the U.S. Navy Memorial's commemoration, representatives of the Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard were all present to honor the sacrifice and service of those who fought decades ago for the nation's freedom. After the U.S. Navy Ceremonial Guard paraded the colors, Adm. John Richardson, director of the Naval Nuclear Propulsion Program, laid a wreath in front of the memorial in remembrance of the battle's 71st anniversary.

"Our wreath ceremony here in Washington, D.C., serves as the cornerstone for many similar ceremonies throughout our Navy," said Chief Musician Courtney Williams, event master of ceremonies. "Let it be known that as Adm. Richardson places this wreath, others are being presented around the world in honor of those who fought in the Battle of Midway. We pause to remember and honor the spirit of Midway in our Navy, Marine Corps, Coast guard, and in our nation. We pause to honor all those who have served or are serving with honor, courage and commitment."

Veterans of the Battle of Midway were honored guests during the ceremony. Speakers, including Rear Adm. Peter J. Brown, assistant commandant for Response and Policy of the Coast Guard, Major General John M. Croley, Assistant Deputy Commandant for Aviation (MOB) of the Marine Corps and Adm. John Richardson, director of the Naval Nuclear Propulsion Program, praised them for their dedication and duty during such a harrowing battle.

"It is my honor and a privilege to welcome our Midway veterans here," said Richardson. "We are forever grateful for the bravery and sacrifice that you, your shipmates and your families demonstrated in the middle of the Pacific Ocean on those important days 71 years ago, for the rest of the war, and every day since."

At the conclusion of the ceremony, the Midway veterans were presented with personal copies of the proclamation naming June 4 as "Battle of Midway Day," signed by Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Jonathan Greenert. A reception was then held in their honor at the Navy Memorial, where guests chatted and shook hands with the veterans.

"I really enjoy these events," said Howard Snell, retired Chief Sonar Technician. "I was here last year and about four years ago. I had a chance to get together with some of the other veterans. Some of them that were here last year have died. I see Admiral [William] Houser has passed away. He was a great Sailor. But I enjoy my time here. I always do."

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