Today, August 15, we commemorate the 75th anniversary of the end of World War II in the Pacific.

As we pay homage to our forebears who valiantly fought for our country, let us take this occasion to pause and reflect the words found in the United Nations Charter, “We the peoples of the United Nations determined to save succeeding generations from the scourge of war, which twice in our lifetime has brought untold sorrow to mankind; and to reaffirm faith in fundamental human rights, in the dignity and worth of the human person, in the equal rights of men and women and of nations large and small … And for these ends, to practice tolerance and live together in peace with one another as good neighbors; and to unite our strength to maintain international peace and security.”

May we all have a solemn and meaningful remembrance of today’s memorable occasion.