Is this place a Refuge, a Memorial or a Monument?

It's all three...and more!

(1) REFUGE -- Midway Atoll National Wildlife Refuge
In 1903 President Teddy Roosevelt placed the Atoll under the U.S. Navy's control.  The Navy stopped the poaching of bird feathers and eggs.  Beginning in the 1940's during World War II Midway Atoll was operated as a Naval Air Facility.  In 1998 the Atoll was transferred away from the Navy and became the Midway Atoll National Wildlife Refuge.  The birds were really protected now!  

(2) MEMORIAL --  Battle of Midway National Memorial
On December 7, 1941 Japan attacked the United States at Pearl Harbor in Hawai`i.  The attack caused the U.S. to join World War II against Japan.  Six months later the U.S. fought and won the Battle of Midway.  That victory turned the tide and finally resulted in victory by the United States and its Allies over Japan in 1945.  In 2000 Midway Atoll National Wildlife Refuge was also designated as the Battle of Midway National Memorial.

(3) MONUMENT -- Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument
On June 15, 2006 President Bush proclaimed what came to be called the Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument.  The Monument map shows that PMNM includes all the islands, including Midway Atoll, stretching northwest beyond the state of Hawai`i.  The PMNM virtual visit says, if the Monument "...were laid atop the continental United States, [it] would cover a distance equal to that between New York City and Omaha, or Boston and the Florida Everglades." Please listen to these mp3 recordings about the Hawaiian meaning and proper Hawaiian pronunciation for Papahānaumokuākea.

(4) World Heritage Center?
As of today, July 17, 2010, we're waiting to hear if the wildlife of Midway Atoll will get even one more level of protection, by becoming a United Nations World Heritage Center.  Stay tuned!
[Update!! -- Read FOAM's July 30th post: "This place is a WORLD HERITAGE SITE!!"]

(5) Pihemanu
FOAM has been calling this land mass "Midway Atoll," but many people think the ancient Hawaiians called it Pihemanu, meaning "the loud din [noise] of birds."  Good name!  Listen to the "pihemanu" in FOAM's July 19th post.

Battle of Midway 68th Commemoration

The  June 4-7, 1942 Battle of Midway marked the turning point toward victory for the U.S. and its Allies in World War II.  On June 2, 2010 two American veterans returned to Midway to attend the 68th commemoration of this important battle.   The left picture shows Sargent Paul Crook in the red hat and blue shirt.  He was on Midway's Eastern Island during the battle.  Sargent Crook recounted his memory of the night following the first day of battle.  He and all the men had orders to dig deep holes in the sand for themselves.  They were told to take their guns with them and be prepared for a night-time battle.  Meanwhile, Lieutenant George Bernstein (dark blue hat, far right) was stationed on the Navy aircraft carrier, the USS Hornet offshore from Midway.   

Among the Japanese veterans attending the commemoration were Mr. Kaname Harada (seated at the far left) and next to him, Mr. Jiro Yoshida.  These two men piloted Japanese airplanes called Zeroes during World War II.  Mr. Harada actually flew his Zero at the Battle of Midway, shooting down several American planes.

Both American and Japanese veterans of the Battle of Midway, men who fought against each other 68 years ago, sat down together to honor the young men who gave their lives on both sides of the battle.  At the end of the day of remembrance, flowers were on display at both the American (below, left) and Japanese memorials on Midway's Sand Island.

June 1942

American planes during the Battle of Midway; photo from US Navy archives

Sixty-eight years ago, in early June 1942, a terrible battle between the United States and Japan took place on Midway Atoll.

On December 7, 1941 the Japanese military conducted a surprise attack at Pearl Harbor on the Hawaiian island of O`ahu.  It was a terrible loss for the United States, and caused the country to enter World War II against Japan.  But 6 months later, June 4-7, the Americans won the Battle of Midway against the Japanese.  After 3 more years of fighting, the United States and her allies finally won the War.

Japan is now one of America's best friends.  Tomorrow all of us on Midway, including both Japanese and American World War II veterans, will commemorate the Battle of Midway...and will continue to work together for peace.