Obama: Bitter Adversaries Can Become 'The Strongest Of Allies"
284 views · Published 30 December 2016 · 2:28 · Indexed 20 September 2026
Channel: The Uptake by Bridgemakers · 2016 · News & Politics
This harbor is a sacred place. We think of the more than 2,400 American patriots -- fathers and husbands, wives and daughters -- manning Heaven’s rails for all eternity. America’s first battle of the Second World War roused a nation. Here, in so many ways, America came of age. A generation of Americans -- including my grandparents -- the Greatest Generation -- they did not seek war, but they refused to shrink from it. The bravery we recall here is forever etched in our national heart. The United States and Japan chose friendship and peace. The connections not just between our governments, but between our people, the presence of Prime Minister Abe here today -- remind us of what is possible between nations and between peoples. Wars can end. The most bitter of adversaries can become the strongest of allies. The fruits of peace always outweigh the plunder of war. This is the enduring truth of this hallowed harbor. The sacrifice made here, the anguish of war, reminds us to seek the divine spark that is common to all humanity. Here in this quiet harbor, we honor those we lost, and we give thanks for all that our two nations have won -- together, as friends. May God hold the fallen in His everlasting arms. May He watch over our veterans and all who stand guard on our behalf. May God bless us all. (Applause)
