Last modified Wed., June 11, 2008 - 05:43 PM
Originally created Thursday, June 12, 2008

Battle of Midway veterans honored

By MC2(SW) Daniel Gay

Rear Adm. Michael Vitale, commander, Navy Region Southeast, speaks with guests at the 11th annual Midway Memorial Dinner in Jacksonville, FL. The dinner was held to honor all the brave Sailors and Marines who took part in the Battle of Midway. Photo by MC2(SW) Daniel Gay.

Jacksonville's 11th annual commemoration of the United States' World War II victory at the Battle of Midway was held June 7 at the Hyatt Regency. Sponsored by the Navy League of Mayport, 22 veterans of the historic battle were in attendance, as well as the Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Gary Roughead.

"The Battle of Midway came at a time when things weren't looking too good in the Pacific," said Roughead, "Thanks to the leadership, intellect and especially the heroism of the Sailors and Marines who fought in that battle, we changed the course of history in the Pacific. We turned the Imperial Japanese Navy away. In doing so, we changed the course of the war. That's what this
commemoration is about."

Fleet Public Affairs Center Guests at the annual Midway Memorial Dinner take some time to look at World War II memorabilia, including uniforms worn by the U.S. armed forces. Photo by MC2(SW) Daniel Gay.