Yesterday, Subcommittee on Federal Lands Ranking Member Colleen Hanabusa (D-HI) and House Committee on Natural Resources Chairman Rob Bishop (R-UT) introduced H.R. 4300, the “Admiral Lloyd R. ‘Joe’ Vasey Pacific War Commemorative Display Establishment Act.” The bipartisan legislation establishes a memorial at Pearl Harbor to honor the U.S. service members who served in the Pacific Theater during World War II.

“This memorial will honor those who valiantly served our country in the Pacific Theater, share their history with future generations and provide a place for loved ones to mourn those they lost in the war,” Rep. Hanabusa stated. “I can think of no better place for a Pacific War memorial than at Pearl Harbor, where the USS Arizona commemorates the entry of the United States into World War II and the USS Missouri memorializes the site where World War II formally ended.  Admiral Joe Vasey, who served in the Pacific War and who turned 100 years old earlier this year, deserves the credit for this memorial.  Admiral Vasey dedicated his life to promoting peace throughout the Pacific and I am committed to honoring him and his vision for this memorial.  Finally, I thank Congressman Bishop, who chairs the House Committee on Natural Resources and also serves on Armed Services.  Congressman Bishop understands the debt of gratitude and recognition we owe our veterans.  The Valor of the Pacific falls under the jurisdiction of the Committee on Natural Resources and I look forward to working with Chairman Bishop on the passage of this important bill.”

“This legislation will memorialize the brave service members who defended our country in the Pacific Theater,” Chairman Bishop said. “I commend Rep. Hanabusa for her commitment to honoring and remembering our nation’s World War II veterans for generations to come.”

Background:  

Admiral Vasey served aboard the USS Gunnel in the Pacific during World War II, under John S. McCain, Jr., father of U.S. Senator John McCain, and has advocated for the establishment of this memorial. Admiral Vasey turned 100 years old on January 31, 2017.