#midway76

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Preserving the History and Legacy of the Battle of Midway

Midway Atoll National Wildlife Refuge and Battle of Midway National Memorial is home to the world's largest population of albatrosses. Photo credit: Dan Clark/USFWS.

The Battle of Midway is one of the greatest U.S. naval victories of World War II. In 1947, from June 3rd through the 7th, Midway Atoll and the waters near its shores erupted in conflict as the might of the Japanese navy met the resolve of the U.S. military. The American victory at Midway was a turning point of the war in the Pacific, and is considered one of the most important naval battles in U.S. history. Midway Atoll still bares the visible marks and scars from the conflict, along with the memorials commemorating the legacy and history of the many people engulfed in the battle.

More than 1,300 miles from Hawaii, Midway Atoll rests approximately half way between Asia and North America. The U.S. military recognized the atoll’s strategic location. During WWII, the atoll was transformed from a tiny spit of land into a base of operations that supported the war in the Pacific. Today, Midway continues to serve as a base of operations, however; it’s now one of conservation, wildlife and cultural heritage.

Photo: Heroics occurred on the ground, the surrounding waters and in the air over. Squadron of Devastator torpedo bombers preparing to launch during the first day of the battle.  Photo courtesy of the National Archives . 

Midway's manages keep a sense of its past while looking forward to the future. A future that protects the island's cultural identity and conserves a habitat for many seabird colonies. GIF credit: USFWS. 

To preserve the memory and honor all those who gave so much during the Battle of Midway, Midway Atoll National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) was designated in September 2000 as the Battle of Midway National Memorial. The designation as a National Memorial commemorates the heroic courage and sacrifice of those who fought against overwhelming odds.

Each year the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service commemorates the historic event and honors the veterans of the battle in a special ceremony held at the International Memorial Monument Funds’ Battle of Midway Memorial. A ceremonial reef is placed at the foot of the memorial. Those in attendance reflect on the selfless sacrifice of those that served on the island.

The 75th anniversary of the Battle of Midway honored the many veterans whose determination and sacrifice led to the U.S. and allied forces winning the war in the Pacific. Photo credit: USFWS.

As a national monument, Midway Atoll NWR and Battle of Midway National Memorial is a protected site. Today, millions of seabirds are the island’s main residents. Along with the wildlife, Midway Atoll also hosts researchers, archeologists and historians who explore the island’s history. With each new discovery, Midway’s legacy endures and is passed down to the next generation. Conservation partners and historic aviation enthusiasts like Pacific Aviation Museum Pearl Harbor enable thousands of visitors to learn and discover Midway Atoll’s historic past.

Battle of Midway veterans, retired Marine Sgt. Edgar Fox (left side) and retired Marine Col. John Miniclier (right side) reconnect with their past and a few familiar faces. Photo credit: USFWS.

In a major historic preservation effort by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, six wall-sized original paintings that formerly hung in a World War II-era theater on Midway Atoll National Wildlife Refuge, were shipped to Pacific Aviation Museum. The murals will be on loan to the museum, preserving and making them available for the public to enjoy for the first time in their history.

The murals will enhance the museum’s current Battle of Midway exhibits and be readied as soon as possible for viewing by the public. The murals represent Midway Atoll’s military legacy. Photo credits: USFWS.

An exhibit dedicated to memory of the Battle of Midway lays below the murals. Each year, the museum provides a day devoted to educating children from around Oahu about the Battle of Midway. Pacific Aviation Museum’s Midway Youth Day is an opportunity for the public to learn and explore this pivotal moment in U.S. history.

Although seemingly just a speck in the Pacific Ocean, Midway looms large in the hearts and minds of many. Remnants of the Battle of Midway are not just found at Midway Atoll, but also in all the places that celebrate and commemorate its history. With each event, the memory of those that served on Midway in 1942 will never be forgotten.

Want to learn about the Battle of Midway, visit:

Midway Atoll NWR and Battle of Midway

Pacific Aviation Museum Pearl Harbor

World War II Era Fighter Plane Discovered at Midway Atoll images

Looking for more photos of Midway Atoll and past Battle of Midway Commemoration Ceremonies, visit:

Photos of Midway Atoll (USFWS)

75th Battle of Midway Commemoration 

Ready for a tour of Midway Atoll? Take a virtual walk of Midway Atoll at:  Exploring Midway Atoll story map.

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Battle of Midway Anniversary Commemoration Ceremony Honors American Service and Sacrifice in the Pacific

June 4-7, 2018 marks the 76th anniversary of the Battle of Midway. The U.S. Navy, U.S. National Park Service and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service commemorated the historic event in a special ceremony at the World War II Valor in the Pacific National Monument. The American victory at Midway was a turning point of the war in the Pacific, and is considered one of the most important naval battles in U.S. history.

 “In just a few moments time, the events of the Battle of Midway, caused the world to pause on its axis as the tables turned on not only the war in the Pacific, but the whole world” said Rear Admiral Brian P. Fort, Commander Navy Region Hawaii and Naval Surface Group Middle Pacific.

Rear Admiral Fort. Photo credit: USFWS

The early morning ceremony honored the many veterans whose determination and sacrifice led to the U.S. and allied forces victory in the war in the Pacific. The ceremony featured remarks from Rear Admiral Fort who concluded the ceremony with a wreath laying at the Lone Sailor Memorial, accompanied by National Park Service Superintendent Jaqueline Ashwell and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Pacific Marine Monuments Supervisor.  

Ceremony at WWII Valor in the Pacific National Monument. Photo credit: USFWS

Rear Admiral Fort began the wreath presentation with a message for today’s generation of sailors, “This morning as we lay a wreath at the foot of the Lone Sailor statue in memory of those who fought the Battle of Midway.  I charge you to consider the lessons of those who fought that great battle.”

He went to commend the, “Sailors raised on the traditions of the past, who embraced those values of integrity, accountability and toughness...who seized the initiative and won the greatest naval battle since Trafalgar and by so doing changed the course of history. This is the legacy of the United States Navy at the Battle of Midway.”

The Lone Sailor Memorial. Photo credit: USFWS

Following the outbreak of the war in the Pacific, Japanese armed forces conducted military operations against the U.S. and her allies. The Battle of Midway shifted the balance of power in the Pacific, halting the strategic offensive of the Japanese and shifting the tides of war. Sailors, aviators and Marines all laid their lives on the line against the Japanese attack, triumphing against all odds during the four-day assault in which the Americans were outnumbered and outgunned. Their determination, courage, and heroic sacrifice won the day.

 “Through their courage and commitment, those who fought at the Battle of Midway changed the course of the war and the world,” said FWS Pacific Marine Monuments Supervisor White. “It is our duty and privilege to ensure that they are never forgotten - and continue to be beacons of inspiration for future generations.”

Veterans of the Battle of Midway at Battle of Midway National Memorial in 2017. Photo credit: USFWS

As stewards and caretakers of the Battle of Midway National Memorial, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service honors the memory those who gave their all at Midway. Part of Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument - the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, volunteers and partners work together to conserve and interpret the historical and natural resources of Midway for all Americans.     

For photos and videos of today’s ceremony in Honolulu     and on Midway Atoll visit, https://www.flickr.com/photos/usfwspacific/ or https://www.dvidshub.net/

For a video about the Battle of Midway and Battle of Midway National Memorial visit https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=un9y70Dw9Rc&feature=youtu.be

To learn more about Midway Atoll, www.fws.gov/refuge/Midway_Atoll

For more information on the Battle of Midway, please visit https://www.history.navy.mil/research/library/online-reading-room/title-list-alphabetically/b/battle-of-midway-4-7-june-1942.html

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Honoring Our Nation’s Heroes: Memorial Day and Battle of Midway Events in Oahu

Photo: The 75th Battle of Midway Remembrance Reef Salute. Photo credit: Amy Olliffe

These first few weeks in June give us several opportunities to reflect on and honor the valor and sacrifice of those who have served our country. 

Memorial Day, May 28, is a time to reflect and honor our nation's brave military service members who have sacrificed so much for the sake of so many. It is a day that commemorates U.S. Service Members who gave the greatest sacrifice.

One of the most significant battle of World War II, the Battle of Midway took place June 4-7, 1942. The American victory at Midway was a turning point of the war in the Pacific, and is considered one of the most important naval battles in U.S. history. This year, the anniversary of this battle will be commemorating in multiple ceremonies across the world during the first two weeks of June. 

Here is a listing of Memorial Day and Battle of Midway ceremonies throughout Oahu.  

Photo: Sailors stand by to ring the USS Gridley bell in conjunction with the salute to the remembrance reef. Photo credit: Holly Richards/USFWS

Memorial Day Events

69th Annual Honolulu City Mayor’s Memorial Day Ceremony 

National Cemetery Administration will host Memorial Day ceremonies at VA national cemeteries across the country with the help of local communities. Each cemetery and community will add their own special touch of patriotism and “thanks” during the events.

When: Monday, May 28th 8:30 – 10:30 am

Where: National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific

http://www.honolulu.gov/site-clk-cal/icalrepeat.detail/2018/05/28/4229/246%7C1059/mayor-s-memorial-day-ceremony.html

Lantern Floating Ceremony

Held annually on Memorial Day on Oʻahu’s south shore, Lantern Floating Hawaii brings together an estimated 50,000 people on the beach, joined by thousands around the world via live streaming and telecast for an evening of honoring loved ones and generating collective hope toward the future.

When: Monday, May 28th 6:30 – 7:30 pm

Where: Ala Moana Beach Park

http://lanternfloatinghawaii.com/page/ceremony

Photos: Midway Atoll National Wildlife Refuge and the Battle of Midway National Memorial contains the history and relics from WWII. This atoll in the Pacific is an important link in our history. Photo credits: USFWS. 

Battle of Midway Commemoration Events

Battle of Midway 76th Commemoration Ceremony: Honolulu

The 76th Anniversary of the Battle of Midway commemoration ceremony honors the bravery of the veterans that served on Midway Atoll.

When: Friday, June 1, 8:00 - 9:00 am

Where: World War II Valor in the Pacific National Monument

*Note: This ceremony is open to the public. Please visit the Monument website for visitation information: https://www.nps.gov/valr/index.htm

Battle of Midway 76th Commemoration Ceremony: Ewa Field

The 76th Anniversary of the Battle of Midway commemoration ceremony honors the bravery of the veterans that served on Midway Atoll and those lost at Ewa Field.

When: Saturday, June 2nd 9:00 – 11:00 am

Where: Ewa Field World War II Revetment District

*Note: This ceremony is open to the public. Please visit the following link for visitation information: https://amvets-hawaii.org/battle-of-midway/

Battle of Midway 76th Commemoration Ceremony: Midway Atoll

The 76th Anniversary of the Battle of Midway commemoration ceremony at Midway Atoll will honor the valor, commitment, and sacrifice of those who fought in the battle.

When: Wednesday, June 6th

Where: U.S. Navy Memorial, Midway Atoll, Sand Island

*Note: 1300 miles from Honolulu in the remote Pacific Ocean, the Battle of Midway National Memorial is not accessible to the general public. However, photos and information about the ceremony will be shared online. 

Learn more about the history and significance of the Battle of Midway at: 

Battle of Midway National Memorial Film

Remembering the Heroes of Midway

War and Peace at Midway Atoll: Reflections from Battle of Midway Veterans

World War II Era Fighter Plane Discovered at Midway Atoll National Wildlife Refuge and Battle of Midway National Memorial

Midway Atoll National Wildlife Refuge and Battle of Midway National Memorial

Navy Battle History and Archival Images

Looking for more photos of Midway Atoll and past Battle of Midway Commemoration Ceremonies, visit:

Photos of Midway Atoll (USFWS) 

75th Battle of Midway Commemoration

70th Battle of Midway Commemoration