Pearl Harbor Colors Ceremony Goes Green for Earth Day

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Members of a joint service color guard parade the colors during the 73rd anniversary Pearl Harbor Day commemoration at the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Laurie Dexter/Released)
Members of a joint service color guard parade the colors during the 73rd anniversary Pearl Harbor Day commemoration at the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Laurie Dexter/Released)

PEARL HARBOR -- The next Pearl Harbor Colors, a monthly military ceremony open to the public, is scheduled April 23 at 7:30 a.m. at the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center.

The theme for this month's event is, "Earth Day: A Sustainable Future Begins with You." 

Sponsored by Navy Region Hawaii in coordination with the National Park Service, the ceremony will feature the U.S. Pacific Fleet Band, the Joint Base Honors and Ceremonies Guard, and an official observance of morning colors. Lt. Cmdr. Rob Franklin, operations officer for Commander, Naval Surface Group Middle Pacific and Paul DePrey, superintendent of the World War II Valor in the Pacific National Monument, will give remarks.

"Hawaii is a perfect location to consider energy and the environment," said Rear Adm. Rick Williams, Commander, Navy Region Hawaii and Naval Surface Group Middle Pacific. "Not only are we stationed in the most beautiful place in the world, but also because of geography we are in one of the most energy dependent places on earth. Therefore, we want more resilience and independence while preserving the environment. 

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    "We need to move out of the brown lane of dirty fossil fuels and toward the green," Williams continued. "And we need more use of renewables and better conservation. When we do, we stay in the fight longer, refuel less often and reduce risk across the board." 

    This month's ceremony will focus on the Navy's efforts to contribute to a more sustainable environment. Additionally, the ceremony will honor the National Park Service (NPS) and celebrate National Park Week, a presidentially proclaimed celebration of our national heritage, as the NPS kicks off its 2016 Centennial campaign. 

    Pearl Harbor Colors is an opportunity for local residents and international visitors to witness a U.S. military ceremony and meet veterans, service members and their families. Attendees can learn about various aspects of military history. 

    The setting for Pearl Harbor Colors is the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center at the World War II Valor in the Pacific National Monument, which is home to Hawaii's most visited historic site, the USS Arizona Memorial, which is expected to draw 1.5 million visitors in 2015.

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