History was remembered and lives were honored during a ceremony held at Naval Hospital Camp Pendleton, June 7, to commemorate the 74th anniversary of the Battle of Midway.

The ceremony included a speech by retired U.S. Navy Capt. Douglas Bradt, who now works at the USS Midway Museum in San Diego. Bradt recounted the happenings of the Battle of Midway, which took place June 4-7, 1942.

The Battle of Midway is considered to be the turning point of the war in the Pacific. After the U.S. intercepted several Japanese radio messages and was able to translate a good number of them unveiling the Japanese plan to attack, the U.S. was prepared and was able to deliver a blow big enough to push back Japanese forces. During the battle seven U.S. ships were sunk and 3,364 U.S. service members lost their lives.

Following the history of the Battle of Midway, NHCP Commanding Officer, Capt. Lisa Mulligan, stressed the significance of the sacrifices made by all on that day. The CO and acting Command Master Chief Kenneth Wilburn placed a wreath in remembrance of those who lost their lives. Honors were then rendered as a U.S. Marine Corps bugler from the 1st Marine Division Band performed Taps.

Immediately following the ceremony guests were invited to observe posters put together by the 1st Class Petty Officer Association with pictures from the battle.

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