Celebrating Armed Forces Day from a submariner’s perspective is a meaningful recognition of the unique and often unseen contributions of the submarine force within the U.S. Armed Forces. Armed Forces Day, observed annually on the third Saturday in May, honors all active duty, Guard, and Reserve members of the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, Space Force, and Coast Guard who defend the nation’s freedoms at home and abroad.
From a submariner’s viewpoint, this day is a time to reflect on the silent, yet critical, role submarines play in national defense. Submariners operate in challenging, confined environments beneath the ocean surface, maintaining vigilance during long patrols that often involve routine maintenance, watchstanding, and continuous readiness for any mission. Life aboard a submarine is marked by a balance of intense operational focus and the need for camaraderie and morale-boosting activities during downtime.
Celebrations aboard submarines may include unique traditions such as the “Steel Beach Picnic,” where crew members enjoy a barbecue on the submarine’s deck when surfaced, weather and mission permitting. This event offers submariners a rare chance to relax in the sun, enjoy fresh air, and bond as a crew, often accompanied by a “beer day” after extended deployments and sometimes a swim call in open ocean waters. These moments highlight the tight-knit community and resilience of submariners who spend months away from home under demanding conditions.
Armed Forces Day also serves as a reminder of the rich history and heritage of the submarine service. The U.S. Navy’s first modern commissioned submarine, the USS Holland (SS-1), was acquired on April 11, 1900, marking the beginning of a proud tradition of underwater naval operations that continue to evolve today. Submariners honor this legacy by upholding the highest standards of professionalism, technical expertise, and dedication to mission success.
In essence, celebrating Armed Forces Day as a submariner means honoring the silent service’s vital role in safeguarding the nation, recognizing the sacrifices and commitment of fellow submariners, and sharing pride in a unique naval community that operates beneath the waves to protect freedom. It is a day to acknowledge the courage, skill, and perseverance required to serve in the submarine force and to express gratitude for the men and women who stand watch in the depths of the oceans.
Vietnam Veterans of America, Oahu Chapter 858 and Commander U.S. Pacific Fleet will host The National Vietnam War Veterans Day Ceremony at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific (Punchbowl), 2177 Puowaina Dr. Honolulu, Hawaii 96813.
Friday March 28, 2025 at 10:00am
R.S.V.P. by 23 March 2025 POC: John J. Beirne 808-221-2999
Registration begins at 9:00am
Schedule of Events
Master of Ceremony Thomas Stirling Arrival of the Official Party Oli Posting of Colors: University of Hawaii ROTC National Anthem: U. S. Pacific Fleet Band Hawai’i State Anthem: U. S. Pacific Fleet Band Invocation: Pacific Fleet Chaplain Capt. Darren L. Stennett Pledge of Allegiance: JROTC Introduction: Ms. Rona Adams President VVA Chapter 858 Tom Stirling: Recognition of Vietnam Veterans Gold Star Families Guest Speakers: Major General Steve Logan – U. S. Army Dept of Defense Keynote Speaker: Admiral Samuel Paparo, INDOPACOM Prayer of Rememberance: Pacific Fleet Chaplain Capt. Darren L. Stennett Laying of Ceremonial Wreaths with assistance by JROTC Cadets University of Hawaii Drill Team Bagpipe Tribute: Mark Reed Rifle Volley: Marine Corp Base Hawaii Taps: U. S. Pacific Fleet Band Conclusion of Ceremony
Military: Class B Uniform Civilian: Formal Aloha Attire
2025 National Vietnam Veterans Day Parade
Saturday March 29, 2025 at 6:00pm
On behalf of a grateful nation we Remember, we honor, and we salute all those who served. As Hawai’i was America’s gateway to those departing and returning from war, it is fitting that the National Vietnam Veterans Day Parade be held here. Hawaii’s hospitality will provide a warm and heating embrace to those who experienced the devastation of war many years ago. The Vietnam Veterans Day Parade is produced annually by Historic Programs and its partner organizations and is recognized as an official event of the United States Vietnam War Commemoration.
The National Vietnam Veterans Day Parade will unite Americans in a meaningful parade that honors our Vietnam Veterans and their families, and our active-duty military men and women and the thousands of Vietnamese community members here in Hawai’i and on the mainland. while educating and inspiring all who will travel to Hawaii to salute them. The official Ceremony and Parade will feature participants selected from across the nation.
Event Information
When: Saturday March 29, 2025 from 6:00 to 7:30pm Where: Kalakaua Avenue to Kapi’olani Park in Waikiki
Shuttles will be running from around 3pm until 5pm from Kapiolani park, Parking area, to the event site. There will be a short program at 4:30pm at Fort Derussy (open area close to the Museum), this will run approximately 1 hour.
Bowfin SUBVET Pat Suenaga will be at the Aloha Gas station (2025 Kalākaua Ave) (on Kalakaua at the beginning of the route-right where Kalakaua and Kuhio Ave split) with his vehicle which can take 4 or 5 passengers for the parade route.
If you would like any other information please contact Mr. Earl Hurrey (event coordinator) email: earl@historicprograms.org Phone: (808) 425-2908.
The Story of the Nautilus and the Nuns – New Years 1943 by Mister Mac
Eighty-two years ago this week, the submarine Nautilus shifted from her incredible role as a hunter killer to perform a mission of mercy. This is the story about the rescue of twenty nine refugees including four American nuns who became stranded behind Japanese enemy lines during World War II.
The Nautilus was originally named and designated V-6 (SF-9), but was redesignated and given hull classification symbol SC-2 on 11 February 1925. Her keel was laid on 10 May 1927 by the Mare Island Naval Shipyard of Vallejo, California. She was launched on 15 March 1930 sponsored by Miss Joan Keesling, and commissioned on 1 July 1930.
She was being refit in Mare Island during the Pearl Harbor attack but was ready by the time the Battle of Midway occurred. Her exploits included a daring raid on Makin Island landing a party of Marine Raiders. But this mission was certainly nothing the men had been prepared for.
The Nuns
Two of the Sisters were teachers, and two were nurses. They had arrived in the Solomon Islands in December 1940. These young women were new to missionary life, confronting an unknown culture for the first time, and did not speak the languages spoken on the various islands. Also, they had to learn how to get around the jungle. One year after they arrived, the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor.
The Japanese quickly occupied many of the islands in the South Pacific. The nuns had been deeply involved in a village on the island of Buka. They had no idea that the Japanese wanted Buka for an airfield.
Sister Hedda Jager was the nun in charge of journaling their experiences. No matter what kind of day she was having, she always managed to record the day’s happenings.
As the Japanese get closer and closer, Sister Hedda records how their lives morphed from working as missionaries to being filled with sheer terror. They made it to Bougainville where they learned how other missionaries in the Solomons had been tortured and executed.There were Marist missionary priests on the island and, knowing what the fate of the nuns would be if captured, they managed to hide the Sisters for months in the jungle. On New Year’s Eve 1942, the priests managed to get the Sisters and 25 others to the beach in Teop Harbor. It was then they all learned that a submarine would be their means of rescue.
A Number of Ladies
The next day, and for several days thereafter, the United States submarine Nautilus patrolled the coast of Bougainville. Lieut. Comdr. William H. Brockman Jr. was looking for a fat target but received instead a message from Adm. Bull Halsey’s headquarters ordering him to proceed to Teop Bay on the northeast coast of Bougainville to evacuate some civilian personnel.
“How many women can you take care of?” Lieut. Phil Eckert, the communications officer, asked Ensign Davis, the commissary officer.
“Any number, Sir,” Ensign Davis said.
Davis, Eckert and Bill Brockman were in for a surprise. Waiting at a mountain village named Tsipatavai, or soon to arrive there, were 14 missionary nuns, four other women, three young girls, two priests, five planters and the Austrian manager of a plantation‐29 refugees. They had been rounded up by the missionary priest, Father Albert Lebel of Brunswick, Me., with the aid of Jack Read, the coast watcher on northern Bougainville. (Read’s laconic messages, “40 bombers heading yours,” were a legend in the South Pacific).
Bishop Thomas Wade had put Father Lebel in charge of evacuating the nuns after four missionaries were executed on Guadalcanal, and in November Father Lebel had set out to rescue two priests and three nuns whom the Japanese had under guard at a mission on the northern tip of Bougainville. He led a party of natives 30 miles through the jungle to Read’s station, then across the island to the mission, where they discovered that the sentries had taken the night off. Sister Claire and Sister Remy were unable to walk so natives carried them on cane chairs lashed to poles. Sister Henrietta followed on foot. They fled through the night, arriving at Tsipatavai the next day.
There they were joined by four middle‐aged Sisters of St. Joseph who had been on Buka since 1940—Sister Mary Isabelle Aubin of Newport, Vt.; Sister Mary Celestine Belanger of Lowell, Mass.; Sister Mary Heda Jaeger of Saskatchewan, and Sister Mary Irene Alton of Hunting- ton Beach, Calif. From Soveli, 90 miles to the south, Father Richard O’Sullivan brought four Maris? Sisters.
Read kept trying to arrange an evacuation but the answer was always the same: no planes or ships available. Finally he asked permission for Father Lebel to appeal directly to Halsey but they were still awaiting an answer on the day before Christmas when the Japanese raided Tinputz a few miles away. The three nuns there escaped to Tsipatavai. Father Allotte and Brother Gregor hid in the bush.
New Year’s Eve Party
Father Lebel interrupted midnight mass to say the refugees must run for the hills at once. With Sister Henrietta carrying a lantern they headed into the mountains, crossing great gorges, climbing all night. On Christmas Day word came that the Japanese had departed but they stayed in camp another night, singing carols under the stars.
It was Dec. 26 when Father Lebel got to send his message to Halsey: “Urgently request immediate evacuation of American women from Bougainville. Fear repetition of crimes on Guadalcanal. Teop and Tinputz harbors safe and convenient. Eternally gratefully.” For a touch of clout, he signed Bishop Wade’s name. Two days later Read received word that a submarine would probably be sent. On Dec. 31 he was advised it would “probably” come that night. From Tsipatavai the refugees started for Teop. They were to light signal fires on the beach at 10 P.M.
There was no sign of a submarine. Not at 10 o’clock, not at 11 that New Year’s Eve. Shortly after midnight, voices came faintly over the water. The launch from the Nautilus had capsized on the reef. She was righted and bailed, and the first load of 21 refugees was ferried to the Nautilus at 3 A.M.
On New Year’s Day 1943, in the early morning darkness, the submarine Nautilus pulled to within 100 feet of the beach and the terrified passengers were safely taken on board and brought to safety.
Sister Hedda wrote in her journal: “You cannot put into words the feeling that one has for those of one’s own country, especially when one is miles from home and running away from the Japanese.”
“Real sugar!” said Sister Hedda when she saw coffee and sandwiches prepared by Ensign Davis. “Real salt!” It was 4:41 when the launch returned with its second load, 5:37 when Nautilus submerged and crept out of the bay.
After months of taro and paupau, the passengers had a New Year’s Day dinner of soup, fried chicken and vegetables, including buttered asparagus, peach pie and fruit cake. The typewritten menu had a message: “Happy New Year to All Hands and Guests.”
That night when the sub came up for air, Bill Brockman received a message: “Congratulations, Nautilus. You were just ahead of the sheriff. Jap destroyer entered Teop harbor shortly after you left.”
There is more to the story which you can read HERE.
On November 11, 2024 at 11:00am Bowfin Pearl Harbor Base SUBVETS conducted our 60th annual Veterans Day Commemoration ceremony at the JBPHH Submarine Memorial.
Base Commander Paul Jurcsak opened the commemoration. Followed by the Parading of All 50 State Flags by the Radford High School JROTC and Boy Scout Troops 97 & 797G, and the posting of colors by National Sojourners Inc. members. The National Anthem was performed Pacific Fleet Band led by LT Clint McClanahan. Submarine Readiness Squadron 33 Chaplain LT Jordan Dill, CHC, USN performed the invocation.
Base Commander Paul Jurcsak led the tolling of the bell for Submarines lost in WWII, while Chief of the Boat Gary Johnson, CMDCM(SS), USN (Ret) rang the bell.
Similar to the first commemoration ceremony in 1964 conducted by the Submarine Veterans of WWII. Led by Captain David S. Cox our keynote speaker, members of Bowfin Pearl Harbor Base SUBVETS placed red, white, and blue kukui nut leis on the 47 bronze plaques mounted on the wall.
This was followed by Wreath presentations by Bowfin Pearl Harbor Base SUBVETS, Pacific Fleet Submarine Museum, U.S. Submarine League Aloha Chapter and Pearl Harbor Submarine Officers’ Spouses Association.
We closed with the benediction by Chaplain Dill followed by the playing of Taps by MU3 Taylor Yarbrough.
Following the ceremony Bowfin SUBVETS and invited guests moved to the Lockwood Lanai for a BBQ lunch.
Originally known as Armistice Day. In 1918, on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, an armistice, or temporary cessation of hostilities, was declared between the Allied nations and Germany in World War I, then known as “the Great War.” Commemorated in many countries as Armistice Day the following year, November 11th became a federal holiday in the United States in 1938. In the aftermath of World War II and the Korean War, Armistice Day became legally known as Veterans Day dedicated to American veterans of all wars. There are an estimated 20 million living Veterans today, with approximately 100K in Hawaii.
Veterans Day is a time to honor not just those who have fought for us in battle, but all of the outstanding men and women who served in our nation’s armed forces since our founding 241 years ago.
Not all veterans have seen war, but a common bond that they all share is the oath, to defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic, an oath that expressed their willingness to die defending this great nation. An oath that everyone of them will keep even after exciting active service.
Perhaps, most significant in preserving our way of life and defending freedom, are the battles that America does not have to fight.
“The willingness with which our young people are likely to serve in any war, no matter how justified, shall be directly proportional to how they perceive the veterans of earlier wars were treated and appreciated by their nation.” — George Washington
We salute all our veterans who have made this great country possible.
God bless you, God bless Hawaii, and God bless America!
On May 30, 1916, President Woodrow Wilson issued a presidential proclamation establishing a national Flag Day on June 14. Many Americans celebrate Flag Day by displaying the Red, White and Blue in front of homes and businesses. The day commemorates the adoption of the Stars and Stripes as the official flag of the United States.
My Name is Old Glory
I am the Flag of the United States of America – My name is Old Glory! I fly atop the world’s tallest buildings. I stand watch in America’s halls of justice. I fly majestically over great institutions of learning. I stand guard with the greatest military power in the world. Look up and see me! I stand for Peace, Honor, Truth, and Justice – I stand for Freedom. I am confident, I am arrogant, I am proud! When I am flown with my fellow banners, my head is a little higher, my colors a little truer. I bow to no one – I am recognized all over the world. I am Worshipped, I am Loved, and I am feared! I have fought in every battle of every war for more than two hundred years Gettysburg, Shiloh, Appomattox, San Juan Hill, the trenches of France, the Argon Forest, Anzio, Rome, Pearl Harbor, the beaches of Normandy, Guam, Okinawa, Japan, Korea, Viet Nam, the Persian Gulf, and a score of other places long forgotten by all but those who were there with me. I was there. I led my Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines, I followed them, and watched over them. They love me! I was on a small hill on Iwo Jima. I was dirty, battle worn, and tired, but my Soldiers cheered me, and I was PROUD! I have been soiled, burned, torn, and trampled in the streets of countries that I have helped set free. It does not hurt, for I am invincible. I have been a silent witness to all of America’s finest hours. My finest hour comes, when I am torn into strips to be used as a bandage for my wounded comrades on the field of battle, when I fly at half mast to honor my Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, and Marines, when I lie in the trembling arms of a grieving mother at the graveside of her fallen son or daughter. I am proud – My name is Old Glory! Long may I wave, dear God. Long may I wave.
On Memorial Day Monday May 27, 2024 at 1100 hours, dozens of Bowfin Pearl Harbor Base Submarine Veterans, submarine veteran wives and widows, active and retired military members, and friends of the Submarine Force participated in the annual Memorial Day commemoration at USS Parche and Submarine Memorial Park on Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam (formerly known as Submarine Base Pearl Harbor.)
The U.S. Submarine Veterans of World War II assigned a submarine lost during the war to each state of our great nation as their state submarine. The USS Growler (SS-215) was designated as the State Submarine of Hawaii. After Growler’s fourth war patrol during which Medal of Honor winner Commander Howard W. Gilmore issued his final order to “Take her down!”, sacrificing all for his country and his severely damaged submarine, the Growler made her way back to Brisbane for repairs. USS Growler was dubbed the “Kangaroo Express” by the Australians when, after the extensive and miraculous repairs to the ship’s bow, the Australian shipyards welded a kangaroo coin to each side of her repaired bow. For the Royal Australian Navy, Commander Tim Markusson, CMDCM(SS) (Retired) Gary Johnson presented a lei.
Among the over 3,500 submariners who lost their lives, we have the names of seventeen Filipino U.S. Army Rangers who were lost with USS Seawolf (SS-197). The U.S. Army’s 1st Filipino Infantry Regiment, represented today by Mrs. Anita Loando-Acohido, once again honors our ceremony as they do every year to place a lei on the special plaque engraved with the names of those seventeen heroic Filipinos who went down with Seawolf.
Honoring our ceremony were several organizations presenting flower wreaths. Representing Bowfin Pearl Harbor Base Submarine Veterans – MMC(SS) (Retired) Pat Suenaga; representing the Pacific Fleet Submarine Memorial Association – Captain (Retired) Chuck Merkel; representing the Aloha Chapter of the Naval Submarine League – Captain (Retired) Pete Miller; and representing the Pearl Harbor Submarine Officers’ Spouses’ Association – President President Kristen Newman Vice President Monike Hunter, and Secretary Melissa Ludwig.
In honor of our submarine widows, a single rose was presented to Dolores Brown and Nancy Kreis.
Our keynote address was given by Captain Aaron C. Peterson, Commander, Submarine Squadron 1.
The ceremony ended with a 3-gun volley by Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam Navy Honor Guard Detachment followed by Taps by Bugler MU3 Andrew Gushiken of the U.S. Pacific Fleet Ceremonial Band.
On behalf of the Bowfin Pearl Harbor Base Submarine Veterans, mahalo to all for joining us in commemorating our submarine hero’s.
God Bless our Submarine Force, God Bless our Navy, and God Bless the United States of America. ALOHA!
Following our commemoration, Bowfin Pearl Harbor Base members, families and friends gathered for a Memorial Day barbecue at Lockwood Lanai.
On November 11, 2023 at 11:00am Bowfin Pearl Harbor Base SUBVETS conducted our annual Veterans Day Commemoration ceremony at the JBPHH Submarine Memorial.
Similar to the first commemoration ceremony in 1960 conducted by the Submarine Veterans of WWII, members of Bowfin SUBVETS placed leis on the 47 bronze plaques mounted on the wall.
Base Commander Paul Jurcsak opened the commemoration. Followed by the Parading of All 50 State Flags by the Radford High School JROTC and Boy Scout Troops 97 & 797, and the posting of colors by National Sojourners Inc. members Roy Ota and Dennis Egge. The National Anthem was performed Pacific Fleet Band, Harbor Brass Quintet led by MU2 Tim Hutchens. Submarine Readiness Squadron 33 (formally, NSSC) Chaplain LT Jordan Dill, CHC, USN performed the invocation.
Base Commander Paul Jurcsak led the tolling of the bell for Submarines lost in WWII, while Chief of the Boat Gary Johnson, CMDCM(SS), USN (Ret) rank the bell. Led by Rear Admiral Richard Seif our keynote speaker.
This was followed by Wreath presentations by Bowfin Base, U.S. Submarine Veterans, Inc., Pacific Fleet Submarine Memorial Association, U.S. Submarine League, Aloha Chapter and Pearl Harbor Submarine Officers’ Spouses Association.
Our distinguished guest Rear Admiral Richard Seif, Commander Submarine Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet, provided the keynote address.
We closed with the benediction by Chaplain Dill followed by a Three Gun Volley by the JBPHH Navy Honor Guard Detachment led by QMC(SW/AW) Gregory Flowers and the playing of Taps by MU3 Cory Johnson.
Following the ceremony Bowfin SUBVETS and invited guests moved to the Lockwood Lanai for a BBQ lunch.
Originally known as Armistice Day. In 1918, on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, an armistice, or temporary cessation of hostilities, was declared between the Allied nations and Germany in World War I, then known as “the Great War.” Commemorated in many countries as Armistice Day the following year, November 11th became a federal holiday in the United States in 1938. In the aftermath of World War II and the Korean War, Armistice Day became legally known as Veterans Day dedicated to American veterans of all wars. There are an estimated 20 million living Veterans today, with approximately 100K in Hawaii.
Veterans Day is a time to honor not just those who have fought for us in battle, but all of the outstanding men and women who served in our nation’s armed forces since our founding 241 years ago.
Not all veterans have seen war, but a common bond that they all share is the oath, to defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic, an oath that expressed their willingness to die defending this great nation. An oath that everyone of them will keep even after exciting active service.
Perhaps, most significant in preserving our way of life and defending freedom, are the battles that America does not have to fight.
“The willingness with which our young people are likely to serve in any war, no matter how justified, shall be directly proportional to how they perceive the veterans of earlier wars were treated and appreciated by their nation.” — George Washington
We salute all our veterans who have made this great country possible.
God bless you, God bless Hawaii, and God bless America!
Vietnam Veterans of America, Oahu Chapter 858 and Commander U.S. Pacific Fleet will host The National Vietnam War Veterans Day Ceremony at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific (Punchbowl), 2177 Puowaina Dr. Honolulu, Hawaii 96813.
Tuesday March 29, 2022 at 10:00am
Attire: Military/VSO/ Casual Hawaiian.
Registration begins at 9:00am with assistance from Punahou JROTC.
Before the ceremony memorabilia will be given to all Vietnam Veterans.
Please provide us with the following information for seating arrangements and presentations (Name, Rank/Title, Organization, Number of persons in your party and will you be presenting a wreath.)
Bowfin Pearl Harbor Base 