 May 21st, 1944 was a calm, peaceful Sunday here in Hawaii. At approximately 3.08 pm, that calm was shattered by the first of several explosions. It started on LST 353 as fuel and ammunition stores were ignited. I can only imagine the chaos and confusion that resulted. Today, all that remains as a reminder of this tragedy is the rusted hulk of LST 480 resting along Walker Bay on YPO Peninsula. So today, we gather to honor, to remember and pay our respects to the brave men who lost their lives on that fateful day. They were not just sailors, soldiers, marines and coast guardsmen. They were sons, brothers, husbands and fathers. They are with us here as patriots and heroes all. May God grant them and their families peace. May God bless our nation, our military and all those who sacrifice so much for the freedom of our nation and the values that we promote throughout the world. Mahum.