Honoring Veterans Day at Midway Atoll
By Cyrus Brame, Wildlife Refuge Specialist, Midway Atoll National Wildlife Refuge and Battle of Midway National Memorial
As the sun began to rise over the tranquil waters of the inner harbor at Midway Atoll National Wildlife Refuge and Battle of Midway National Memorial, within Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument, the light reflected off the clouds to create a tapestry of color. This is a typical scene on the peaceful atoll positioned in the middle of the Pacific Ocean. What makes this morning special is that it is Veterans Day… a day recognized throughout the country to celebrate the sacrifice of those who served and currently serve in our armed forces.
Here at Midway Atoll Veterans Day holds a significant place for Americans and others throughout the world as it is home to one of the most important battles in World War II. The hard fought June 1942 engagement between U.S. and Japanese forces changed the tide for the allies and ultimately the final outcome of the War in the Pacific.
To commemorate the annual holiday, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service staff, volunteers, and all island residents (including several whom are veterans) were invited to a sunrise event. The gathering involved flag placements around the memorial, a planting project, and a speech by Jared Underwood, FWS Superintendent of the Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument.
With sun rising ever higher and the native milo trees and maiapilo bushes sufficiently planted, the group of attendees disbanded knowing they have shared an experience, recognizing a special day on sacred grounds.
The American victory at Midway was the turning point of the war in the Pacific, and is considered one of the most important naval battles in U.S. history. To learn more about the Battle of Midway, watch this: Battle of Midway Commemoration Film. Or click here for a virtual tour of Midway Atoll, including its memorials.
Midway Atoll National Wildlife Refuge and Battle of Midway National Memorial is part of Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument. Papahānaumokuākea is cooperatively managed to ensure ecological integrity and achieve strong, long-term protection and perpetuation of Northwestern Hawaiian Island ecosystems, Native Hawaiian culture, and heritage resources for current and future generations. Four co-trustees — the Department of Commerce, Department of the Interior, State of Hawai‘i and the Office of Hawaiian Affairs — protect this special place. Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument was inscribed as the first mixed (natural and cultural) UNESCO World Heritage Site in the United States in July 2010. For more information, please visit www.papahanaumokuakea.gov.
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service works with others to conserve, protect, and enhance fish, wildlife, plants, and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. For more information, connect with us through any of these social media channels at https://www.facebook.com/PacificIslandsFWS, www.flickr.com/photos/usfwspacific/, or www.twitter.com/USFWSPacific.
