America 250: Presidential Message on the Anniversary of the Battle of Midway

On the 84th anniversary of the Battle of Midway, President Donald J. Trump issued a proclamation commemorating the air and sea victory that "stripped Imperial Japan of its naval supremacy" and fundamentally turned the tide of World War II in the Pacific.The President framed the victory as a testament to the combination of American ingenuity and "breathtaking courage," linking the legacy of Midway to the nation’s ongoing celebration of its 250th anniversary.The President recounted how the United States, reeling from the attack on Pearl Harbor, managed to regain the upper hand through superior intelligence and bravery:The Codebreakers: Highlighting a hallmark of "American ingenuity," the President praised the U.S. Navy codebreakers who worked in "absolute secrecy" to crack Japan’s encrypted communications, allowing the U.S. to anticipate the time and location of the attack.The Conflict: On June 4, 1942, American aviators and island defenders faced a "formidable enemy force." Through wave after wave of dive bomber attacks, the U.S. military sank four irreplaceable aircraft carriers and destroyed over 200 enemy aircraft.The Turning Point: The President noted that this victory ended Imperial Japan’s momentum and set the stage for the Allied powers' total victory three years later.In a nod to modern diplomacy, the proclamation highlighted the evolution of the U.S.-Japan relationship:Enduring Friendship: President Trump observed that in the decades since Midway, the two nations have built one of the world's "most enduring friendships."Shared Values: He described the current alliance as a "mutual commitment to a free and peaceful world," grounded in shared values.As the United States marks its Semiquincentennial, the President used the anniversary to emphasize the "unbroken story of American triumph." He characterized the nation as one that faces every enemy and overcomes every adversity to emerge "more powerful, more resolute, and more glorious."The proclamation honors the heroes of Midway whose "ferocious determination" secured the Pacific. The President concluded by reaffirming that the United States remains the "greatest Nation the world has ever known," fueled by the same spirit of excellence that defined the victory 84 years ago.