Honolulu, HI — Congressman Charles K. Djou (HI-01) attended the “End of World War II 65th Anniversary Ceremony” today on the USS Missouri, the “Mighty Mo,” the battleship upon which the war was formally ended. Congressman Djou joined U.S. Senators Inouye and Akaka, Vice Admiral Robert Kihune, USN (Ret.), and U.S. Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric Shinseki at the USS Missouri Memorial at Pearl Harbor.
Sixty-five years ago today, one of the darkest chapters in the history of our country and the world, came to a close. This history is particularly honored here in Hawaii. The Second World War began for the United States here in Pearl Harbor and ended on the deck of the USS Missouri.
We honor the ‘greatest generation’ for their valor and defense of freedom around the world.
In the toughest of times the character of a people is revealed. From December 7, 1941, to September 2, 1945, the courage, honor and unity of the American people was on display as our nation came together to defend the cherished principles of life and liberty.
Of course, the lessons and heroes of the past are still instructive today. As the global war on terror continues and shifts in focus from Iraq to Afghanistan, we must renew our resolve to defend freedom. As Secretary Shinseki noted in his remarks, the cost of that freedom is not free. Today’s American servicemembers in harm’s way are the latest generation to join the ‘greatest generation’ in a proud lineage of American warriors who make our nation and the world a better place.
Let us recommit ourselves as a nation and a government to pursuing what General Douglas MacArthur described on this day 65 years ago onboard the USS Missouri, ‘a world dedicated to the dignity of man and the fulfillment of his most cherished wish for freedom, tolerance and justice.
Congressman Charles K. Djou is a member of the House Armed Services Committee, a Captain in the U.S. Army Reserve and represents the Congressional district which is home to the U.S. Pacific Command, U.S. Army Pacific, U.S. Pacific Fleet, U.S. Pacific Air Force, Pearl Harbor, Camp H.M. Smith, and Fort Shafter.