Why We Celebrate
Chief of Naval Operations
Battle of Midway Day Proclamation
June 4, 2019
A proclamation by the United States Navy’s Chief of Naval Operations
Whereas, the United States Navy recognizes the great significance of the Battle of Midway as one of the greatest victories in its history and in that of our great nation;
Whereas, the Sailors of the United States Navy take great pride in their service to our country, and now take time to acknowledge their forebears who set the standards of service and sacrifice that form the hallmarks of our rich naval history and heritage;
Whereas, we set forth resolutely to preserve and celebrate the legacy of the Battle of Midway's many heroes and their invaluable contributions to the Navy and our nation;
Whereas, we use the model of determination, zeal, and valor from our past to meet the challenges of the future;
Now, therefore, I, John M. Richardson, Chief of Naval Operations, by virtue of the authority vested in me do hereby proclaim this fourth day of June, two thousand nineteen, Battle of Midway commemoration day, and call upon all Sailors to take part in ceremonies and remember those who have led the way through their bravery and who have sacrificed to make ours the world's greatest Navy.
In witness whereof, I have hereunto set my hand this fourth day of June, two thousand nineteen, the two-hundred and forty-third year of independence of the United States of America.
J.M. Richardson
Admiral, U.S. Navy
Click to download original proclamation (pdf).
“OUR NAVY'S HISTORY IS REPLETE WITH ACTS OF HONOR, COURAGE AND COMMITMENT WHERE SAILORS HAVE DONE THEIR DUTY TO DEFEND OUR COUNTRY AND ITS CITIZENS. THE BATTLE OF MIDWAY IS A SHINING EXAMPLE OF SACRIFICE, SERVICE BEFORE SELF AND A FITTING VEHICLE THROUGH WHICH TO HONOR ALL WHO CONTRIBUTED TO OUR NAVY'S PROUD HERITAGE.”
—NAVADMIN 068/00, 23 March 2000
NAVADMIN 068/00 provided information for the first formal Battle of Midway commemoration in June 2000. NAVADMIN 164/99 was released 4 June 1999 and formally established the U.S. Navy's commemoration of the Battle of Midway. NAVADMIN 026/20 provides guidance and tasks for the planning and execution of the 78th anniversary of the Battle of Midway in June 2020.
Previous NAVADMIN Battle of Midway Commemoration Planning Orders can be found in Archived Content.
NAVADMIN 026/20
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SUBJ/BATTLE OF MIDWAY COMMEMORATION PLANNING ORDER//
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AMPN/REF A IS THE OPNAVINST 5726.8B OUTREACH: AMERICA'S NAVY//
RMKS/1. June 2020 will mark the 78th anniversary of the Navy's and the Nation's most historically significant naval victory. The Battle of Midway(BOM)occurred 3-7 June 1942 and changed the tide of war in the Pacific and the course of world history. This order provides initial guidance and tasks for the execution and planning of this important, global commemoration.
2. In support of reference (a), execute a commemorative event commensurate with the importance of the BOM for our Navy and Nation.
3. Commander's Intent:
a. Purpose: Serve as a commemoration of our Navy's greatest victories. Specifically, the commemoration will:
(1) Engage the American public on how the Navy has been and remains critical to our nation's defense.
(2) Inspire the current generation of Sailors to trace their roots to those who fought in this great battle. Highlight the toughness, initiative, accountability, and integrity of American Sailors and Navy civilians who contributed to success at Midway and throughout World War II.
(3) Draw parallels between today’s forward deployed naval forces and the historical lessons of the battle in order to cultivate an appreciation for our shared history and a better understanding of where our Navy is headed today and into the future.
b. Method: Command-centered execution of a coordinated Navy-wide BOM commemoration.
(1) Use available Navy outreach assets to maximum extent possible.
(2) Be guided by, and supportive of, the Navy's strategic messaging.
c. End State: The BOM commemoration becomes an institutionalized community outreach and a Navy pride event for all Sailors, observed globally.
4. Tasks:
a. Director, Navy Staff (DNS) will oversee planning and program development for the annual BOM commemoration.
b. Naval History and Heritage Command (NHHC):
(1) Coordinate and support the execution of Midway commemoration events to include the execution of a Navy-wide observance and supporting fleet BOM -related community outreach events.
(2) Establish a Working Group (WG) of key stakeholders to oversee planning and program development for the BOM commemoration.
(a) NHHC will serve as chairman of the BOM WG.
(b) Track Navy-wide commemoration plans as they develop and coordinate with BOM WG members to identify and share available resources for the global execution of the BOM commemoration.
(3) Develop a commemoration toolkit for use by Commander, U.S. Fleet Forces Command (COMUSFLTFORCOM), Commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet (COMPACFLT), Commander, Navy Installations (CNIC), Regional Commanders, Commanding Officers, and Officers in Charge.
(a) Provide and make available a body of lessons learned at the tactical, operational, and strategic levels from previous BOM commemorations.
(b) Post all documents and associated points of contact on the NHHC website (https://www.history.navy.mil) NLT 13 April 2020.
(4) Develop a BOM 78th Anniversary Communication Plan, including public affairs guidance, and provide to Chief of Naval Information for dissemination to the fleet by 6 April 2020.
(5) Draft BOM Navy Execute Order for release as NAVADMIN by DNS.Message to be released NLT 1 May 2020.
(6) Compile Midway lessons learned and after action from other stakeholders and provide to DNS NLT 17 July 2020.
c. COMUSFLTFORCOM; COMPACFLT; CNIC; Commander, Navy Reserve Force Command; Commander, Naval Education and Training Command; and Commander, Naval Recruiting Command:
(1) Provide representatives as necessary to support the BOM WG.
(2) Ensure COs and OICs plan for and commemorate the 78th anniversary of the BOM.
(3) Execute the BOM 78th Anniversary Communication Plan, disseminated by the Chief of Naval Information (CHINFO), and participate in planned community outreach activities as operationally feasible.
(4) Provide BOM lessons learned to NHHC NLT 22 June 2020.
(5) Report all commemorative events to NHHC Communication and Outreach Division NLT 15 June 2020.
d. CHINFO:
(1) Provide representatives to the BOM WG.
(2) Disseminate the BOM 78th Anniversary Communication Plan to ashore and afloat commands by 6 April 2020. This plan should include Navy's strategic messaging and talking points for the commemoration.
(3) Provide BOM lessons learned to NHHC NLT 22 June 2020.
e. Naval District Washington:
(1) Host the “Sea of White” ceremony at 1000 (EST), Thursday, 4 June 2020, to enable local events to commemorate simultaneously across the nation during daylight hours.
5. Coordinating Instructions:
a. Additional coordination instructions and tasking to be provided by separate correspondence (SEPCOR) as plans develop.
6. Administrative:
a. The Midway toolkit will be available at the NHHC website (https://www.history.navy.mil/midway) NLT 6 April 2020. Content will be added to the toolkit as it becomes available, with all supporting elements complete and posted NLT 1 May 2020.
b. Public Affairs Guidance:
(1) This is an active public affairs posture event.
(2) Public affairs guidance will be provided SEPCOR.
7. Point of contact. Ms. Alura Romero, Comm: (202) 685-6361
Email: alura.romero(AT)navy.mil.
8. Released by Mr. Andrew S. Haeuptle, Director, Navy Staff on behalf of Mr. Samuel J. Cox, Naval History and Heritage Command.//
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SUBJ/BATTLE OF MIDWAY COMMEMORATION//
RMKS/1. LAST YEAR CNO OUTLINED HIS GOAL FOR PRESERVING AND BUILDING UPON OUR RICH NAVAL HERITAGE AND ANNOUNCED A PLAN TO CELEBRATE ANNUALLY THE TWO MOST PROMINENT DAYS OF OUR NAVY'S PAST, OUR BIRTHDAY, 13 OCTOBER 1775, AND THE ANNIVERSARY OF THE BATTLE OF MIDWAY, 4 JUNE 1942. THIS NAVADMIN PROVIDES ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ON THIS YEAR'S MIDWAY COMMEMORATION.
2. THE COURAGE, SACRIFICE, HEROISM AND TEAMWORK OF EVERY SAILOR IN THAT PIVOTAL BATTLE FOR THE PACIFIC DURING WORLD WAR II WARRANTS OUR STUDY, EMULATION AND REVERENCE. ALTHOUGH WE CAN IDENTIFY EQUAL ACTS OF SELFLESSNESS AND BRAVERY THROUGHOUT OUR 224 YEAR HISTORY, MIDWAY IS UNIQUE IN THAT ON THE SHOULDERS OF THE COURAGEOUS SAILORS WHO FOUGHT THERE, RESTED THE FATE OF THE PACIFIC AND POSSIBLY THE WORLD. THEIR VICTORY WAS ACHIEVED THROUGH A SYNERGY OF EFFORTS WHICH INCLUDED THE BREAKING OF THE ENEMY'S CODE, THE UNTIRING EFFORTS OF THOSE WHO HELPED SUSTAIN OUR FORCES, AND THE SAILORS AT THE TIP OF THE SPEAR WHO DEFEATED VASTLY SUPERIOR ENEMY FORCES. THE BATTLE OF MIDWAY EPITOMIZES THE WARFIGHTING SPIRIT THAT ON A DAILY BASIS WE STRIVETO DEMONSTRATE IN THE ADRIATIC AND OFF THE COAST OF IRAQ.
3. THIS JUNE WE WILL MARK THE FIRST BATTLE OF MIDWAY COMMEMORATION WHERE WE WILL HOLD EVENTS TO HONOR THE NAVY OF YESTERDAY AND THE SAILORS WHO LAID THE FOUNDATION FOR OUR NAVY'S GREATNESS TODAY. COMMANDERS, COMMANDING OFFICERS, AND OFFICERS IN CHARGE ARE ENCOURAGED TO COMMEMORATE THE ANNIVERSARY AS DESIRED AND AS DEEMED APPROPRIATE FOR THEIR COMMAND WITH EVENTS SUCH AS TOURS, COMMEMORATION CEREMONIES, COMMAND FUNCTIONS, A DINING IN ORDINING OUT TO INCLUDE SPOUSES, VETERANS AND COMMUNITY GROUPS. EVENTS THAT INFORM AND EDUCATE INTERNAL AND EXTERNAL AUDIENCES AND PROMOTE COMMAND AND COMMUNITY AWARENESS ARE ENCOURAGED.
4. MIDWAY NIGHT 2000 WILL CENTER AROUND 4 JUNE 2000, THE 58TH ANNIVERSARY OF COMMENCEMENT OF THE BATTLE. COMMANDS SHOULD HOLD EVENTS EITHER ON 4 JUNE 2000 OR AS CLOSE TO THE DATE AS FEASIBLE BASED ON OPERATIONAL REQUIREMENTS AND LOCAL FACTORS THAT WOULD FACILITATE MAXIMUM ATTENDANCE AND PARTICIPATION. THE NAVAL HISTORICAL CENTER HAS ADDED A MIDWAY NIGHT INFORMATION PAGE TO THEIR WEBSITE (WWW.HISTORY.NAVY.MIL). THIS SITE INCLUDES BATTLE OF MIDWAY GENERAL INFO, REGIONAL POINTS OF CONTACT AND INFO ON MIDWAY VETERANS GROUPS.A SAMPLE AGENDA FOR A "MIDWAY NIGHT" DINING IN EVENT WILL BE POSTED IN THE NEAR FUTURE.
5. OUR NAVY'S HISTORY IS REPLETE WITH ACTS OF HONOR, COURAGE AND COMMITMENT WHERE SAILORS HAVE DONE THEIR DUTY TO DEFEND OUR COUNTRY AND ITS CITIZENS. THE BATTLE OF MIDWAY IS A SHINING EXAMPLE OF SACRIFICE, SERVICE BEFORE SELF AND A FITTING VEHICLE THROUGH WHICH TO HONOR ALL WHO CONTRIBUTED TO OUR NAVY'S PROUD HERITAGE. I LOOK FORWARD TO COMMEMORATING THIS SPECIAL OCCASION WITH YOU, THE FINEST SAILORS IN THE WORLD.
6. RELEASED BY ADM D. L. PILLING, VCNO.//
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NAVADMIN 164/99
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SUBJ/NAVY HERITAGE//
RMKS/1. IT IS ONE OF MY GOALS TO HELP PRESERVE OUR RICH NAVAL HERITAGE AND TO BUILD UPON IT. ONE OF THE WAYS TO DO THAT IS TO CELEBRATE SIGNIFICANT EVENTS AND DATES. PART OF THAT IS TO ALSO HONOR THOSE WHO SERVED SO PROUDLY AND GAVE SO MUCH TO MAKE OUR NAVY WHAT IT IS TODAY. AFTER CONSIDERABLE DELIBERATION, IT IS APPARENT THAT THE TWO MOST SIGNIFICANT DATES IN OUR NAVAL HISTORY ARE 13 OCTOBER 1775, THE BIRTH OF OUR NAVY, AND 4 JUNE 1942, THE BATTLE OF MIDWAY.
2. THESE TWO PROMINENT DAYS WILL HENCEFORTH BE CELEBRATED ANNUALLY AS THE CENTERPIECES OF OUR HERITAGE. DURING THE WEEK OF 13 OCTOBER, ALL COMMANDS ARE ENCOURAGED TO PARTICIPATE IN BIRTHDAY ACTIVITIES SUCH AS BIRTHDAY BALLS AND HISTORICAL SEMINARS TO CELEBRATE THE ORIGIN OF OUR SERVICE. ADDITIONALLY, BEGINNING 4 JUNE 2000, THE 58TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE BATTLE OF MIDWAY, WE WILL INAUGURATE ANNUAL ACTIVITIES COMMEMORATING ONE OF THE MOST DECISIVE SEA BATTLES IN WORLD HISTORY. MIDWAY WAS WON, NOT BY SUPERIOR NUMBERS OR DAUNTING TECHNOLOGY, BUT BY THE COURAGE AND TENACITY OF SAILORS WHO FOUGHT A VICIOUS AIR AND SEA BATTLE AGAINST OVERWHELMING ODDS. THEIR VICTORY HELPED WIN US THE WORLD WE HAVE TODAY, AND IT IS APPROPRIATE THAT WE REMEMBER IT AND THOSE WHO PARTICIPATED IN IT. WHILE MOST COMMANDS WILL CELEBRATE 4 JUNE 2000 WITH A DINING IN, COMMANDERS/COMMANDING OFFICERS ARE ENCOURAGED TO EXPAND THE EVENT IN THEIR RESPECTIVE AREAS/COMMANDS AS DESIRED.
3. TWICE A YEAR, WE WILL PAUSE AS A NAVY, TO REFLECT UPON OUR PROUD HERITAGE AND TO BUILD IN ALL HANDS A RENEWED AWARENESS OF OUR TRADITION AND HISTORY. THROUGH SUCH REFLECTION, WE WILL HELP DEFINE THE SIGNIFICANCE OF OUR SERVICE TODAY IN DEFENSE OF OUR COUNTRY'S FREEDOM. WE ARE THE CARETAKERS OF A TORCH PASSED ON BY NEARLY TWO HUNDRED AND TWENTY FIVE YEARS OF NAVAL HEROES. EACH OF US WILL BE ENRICHED BY HONORING THEIR CONTRIBUTIONS. I BELIEVE IT IS APPROPRIATE THAT WE TAKE TIME TO PAUSE AND REFLECT FORMALLY UPON OUR PROUD NAVAL HERITAGE.
4. RELEASED BY ADM JAY L. JOHNSON, CNO.//
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