The Pearl Harbor Submarine Park and Parche Memorial on board Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam was the setting for a Memorial Day ceremony held May 28, where retired and active duty submariners and guests gathered to pay tribute to the World War II submarines on Eternal Patrol and all those service members that defended our country.
The ceremony opened with the parading of the colors as the Pacific Fleet Band performed the National Anthem followed by the ceremony invocation by Cmdr. Steven Moses, Commander Submarine Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet Force Chaplain.
A Roll Call was announced consisting of a tolling of the bell for each submarine lost and a presentation of a special lei to the USS Growler (SS 215), the Hawaii Chapter U.S. Submarine Veterans of WWII designated state submarine lost in WWII.
Guest speaker, Adm. Cecil Haney, Commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet reflected on the World War II submarines on Eternal Patrol and the sacrifice and heroism of their crews as well as all the submariners who have followed their paths.
“ Today, as we gather at this unique submarine memorial park, we observe the plaques of these lost boats and their heroic Sailors, we recognize those lost in the sub service during WWII. We recognize the importance of their sacrifice and the legacy they have bestowed upon us, ” said Haney, “ For it was through their effort and ultimately their sacrifice, that our submarine force has become what it is today, a formidable force capable of protecting the very nation that they gave their lives to defend. Today we have gathered to honor and remember not those brave men of the submarine force who paid the ultimate price in service to our country, but all who gave their lives throughout the history of our grateful nation.”
The conclusion of the ceremony included the Joint base Pearl Harbor-Hickam Regional Ceremonial Guard Honors and Ceremonies Detachment performing a 21-Gun Salute and the playing of Taps by Musicians Mate 1st Class Justin Skorupa from U.S. Pacific Fleet Ceremonial Band.
Memorial Day is a federal holiday observed annually in the U. S. on the last Monday of May. Formerly known as Decoration Day, it originated after the American Civil War to commemorate the Union Soldiers who died in the Civil War. By the 20th century Memorial Day had been extended to honor all who have died in all wars.
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Naval Today Staff, May 30, 2012; Image: Submarine Force U.S. Pacific Fleet