A moving tribute to WW II veterans for 75th anniversary

Posted on Sep 29, 2020 in Capitol Connection

“Some compare fighting a pandemic to fighting a global war. . . . What I do know is that we cannot go wrong in following their example in the face of any adversity.”

— Gov. David Ige at the 75^th anniversary commemorating the end of WWII

Governor Ige addresses the audience of veterans, top military officials and community leaders

With those words, Governor Ige paid tribute to the World War II veterans honored during a 75^th anniversary ceremony Sept. 2 marking the end of what has been called “the world’s deadliest war.” As he spoke, the governor addressed the veterans in the audience and nationwide directly, saying, “Their courage under fire, strength of character and resilience over time provides a clear roadmap for us to follow in all that we do, whether we are fighting social injustice or a virus. And so, there remains only one thing left for us to say to them: ‘Thank you . . . thank you.’ And pray they grasp the depth of those words and the immensity of our debt.”

A salute during the 75th anniversary ceremonies at Pearl Harbor.

The historic ceremony drew top military officials and members of the USS Missouri Memorial Association. But the veterans honored that day provided the most heartfelt human link to history — among them the governor’s late father, who served in the famed 442^nd Regimental Combat Team. “They returned home to fulfill the promise of citizenship and contribute to a life where all things are possible — for everyone,” said Governor Ige. The tone set 75 years ago — which led to Japan becoming one of the United States’ strongest allies — was reflected in the late Gen. Douglas MacArthur’s words: “It is my earnest hope, and indeed the hope of all mankind, that from this solemn occasion a better world shall emerge . . .a world founded upon faith and understanding, a world dedicated to the dignity of man and the fulfillment of his most cherished wish for freedom, tolerance, and justice.”