Commemorating the 65th Anniversary of the Battle of Midway

June 4, 2007, Midway Atoll

Plans are progressing for the ceremony on Midway Atoll marking the 65th anniversary of the turning point of World War II in the Pacific, the Battle of Midway.  We anticipate as many as 1,600 visitors – including Battle of Midway veterans – will join us for the one-day event. 

The U.S. Navy will be bringing a ceremonial band, color guard, and rifle squad to honor one of the two most important events in its history.  The International Midway Memorial Foundation, dedicated to honoring and preserving the memory and values of the Battle of Midway, will be participating in the ceremony.

Two entities will be bringing most of our guests.  Princess Cruise Lines’ Regal Princess will be departing from Los Angeles and Military Historical Tours will be bringing a chartered flight from Honolulu.  Both entities have submitted special ocean use permit applications to conduct these activities in the Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument. 

Visitors will partake in walking tours along existing roads and on the public beach on Sand Island as well as in the ceremony itself.   These historic tour activities are are more fully described in the Midway Atoll draft interim Visitor Services Plan.  For more information, please visit http://www.fws.gov/midway/new.html

In addition to the Midway trip, the International Midway Memorial Foundation is sponsoring a series of events in Honolulu, including a two-day symposium about World War II in the Pacific, a ceremony aboard the Battleship Missouri Memorial, and an annual Midway Night Dinner.  For more information about their events, please visit their website at http://www.immf-midway.com.

We look forward to a memorable day!