The Joint Base held a ceremony commemorating the 75th anniversary of the Battle of Midway here, June 6.
Historically, the battle is considered the turning point in the Pacific Theatre of World War II and was one of the greatest naval battles the world had seen. Taking place on the seas and air near the small island in the South Pacific.
“Forces from the U.S. Navy, Marine Corps and Army Air Corps, outnumbered and out-matched fought against Japanese forces,” said Capt. Christopher Bergen, Naval Support Activity Lakehurst commander. “This battle was a chance at halting the Japanese advance and turning the tide of the war.”
The ceremony, starting just after 2 p.m. EST, roughly the same time the battle began, included a flag folding and a wreath laying, was attended by members from all services from base.
Collectively over three thousand people lost their lives over the course of the three-day battle.
“Let it be known that this wreath and wreaths being laid around the world are in honor of our Midway Veterans,” read Chief Petty Officer Raymond Rizzo, ceremony narrator. “We pause to remember and honor the spirit of Midway in our Navy and our nation.”
Technology has changed since the battle of Midway, our naval ships and aircraft are improved, the uniforms have changed and new Sailors, Airmen, Marines and Soldiers have filled them.
“If you turn and look at the faces [of the servicemembers] behind you, you will see the same qualities of toughness, intestinal fortitude and focus of the Soldiers, Sailors and Marines that fought in the battle,” added Bergen. “We stand on the shoulders of the giants that won the battle of Midway in World War II.”