Aloha and good evening! It is a true honor to join you tonight and what a beautiful evening to celebrate such a significant day in modern history.

First, thank you to Ms. Linda Hope, who sponsored the collection of events this weekend, and carries on the legacy of service lived by her parents, Bob and Dolores. Thank you to the Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum, who not only helped put on all these events, but honors the past and inspires the future every day.

And, to the Battleship Missouri Memorial Association who help keep this monument to our nation’s history preserved and open for all.

Eighty years ago, leaders from the United States, allied countries, and Japan gathered on USS MISSOURI to sign the Japanese instrument of surrender that brought the conclusion to World War II. September 2nd, 1945 is more than just a day that marks the end of a period of devastation and the start of a period of peace and reconstruction. It marks the beginning of a new world order, the one in which encourages us everyday to maintain peace and security through international cooperation.

As I lead the U.S. Pacific Fleet from Admiral Nimitiz’s historic office, I am reminded of the ultimate sacrifices made in the fight for the Pacific. And tonight, I am honored to recognize the 22 World War II veterans here with us tonight, 8 of which are returning to the same ship where they stood 80 years ago. Please a round of applause for our heroes…

I am also reminded of the extraordinary leadership of Admiral Chester Nimitz and how he guided our forces to total victory with quiet confidence and measured decision.

We learned much from these heroes and we apply these lessons every day as we operate our forces across the globe to deter aggression and promote the very peace the new world order demanded.

Today we stand on the shoulders of giants, those from the Greatest Generation…reminded of their sacrifice…connected through history…and as a result,] we continue to fight for freedom and peace for all.

Much like these warriors of the past, I can tell you that your United States Navy and Marine Corps Pacific Fleet team is highly trained and combat ready.

Though I hope the day never comes, your Sailors and Marines continuously operate forward deployed, ready to take the fight to any aggressor that threatens the homeland or the peace and security of the Indo-Pacific region.

Today, we operate in an environment that presents similar challenges of World War II – where hegemonic powers are challenging regional and global stability.

And in this environment – one of strategic competition, we see regional powers continue to pursue unprecedented military modernization with
extended weapon ranges in an attempt to cause doubt and hesitation – to delay or deny entry into a threat envelope or, what we refer to in the military as, the weapons engagement zone.

But the United States has never avoided a weapons engagement zone. We certainly did not shy away in World War II. We wouldn’t be here celebrating today if we did!!

So, we field the most advanced weapons, manned with the most capable operators, joined by our like-minded allies and partners, and we remain combat ready to deter aggression in the interest of peace and stability to preserve what was so gallantly fought for.

And this is how we honor the sacrifices of our veterans and honor the foundation of peace laid 80 years ago.

Again, it is a true pleasure to join you tonight. Thank you to the veterans and their families of the Greatest Generation. And thank you to our distinguished guests, family, friends, and all that support our United States Armed Forces.