In May, in response to my inquiry about the status of the commemorative stamp of the Battle of Midway, I received a voice mail message that it had been rejected, and that I would receive written confirmation of the rejection. To date, I have not received written confirmation and my subsequent phone call requesting information has not been returned. As an alternative, I have asked Congressman Dr. John Fleming to introduce a resolution in the House to promote such a commemorative stamp. Congressman John Duncan has already agreed to be a co-sponsor. This course of action offers the IMMF the best chance of getting the stamp created.
The GAO completed their investigation on the fiscal management of the Midway Islands in April of this year, but we are told it will still be a number of months until they issue their report. When the report is available, the IMMF will evaluate how to proceed regarding U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s (USFWS) jurisdiction over Midway.
On June 20, Dr. William Dudley, Christine Sims and myself awarded the Foundation’s sterling silver Battle of Midway Medallion to Midshipman Luke Redito, winner of the U.S. Naval Academy Battle of Midway Essay Contest. The prize was well-received by all those present, including the Chairman of the Academy’s History Department Captain C.C. Felker. USN, Ph.D.
On June 5, I gave the keynote address for the Glasgow Midway Reunion at their Annual Midway Night Dinner. The speech took the audience from FWS’ management of the Midway National Memorial from 1999 to the present. The presentation was well-received and made the audience aware of the intentions of the IMMF. Among the attendees were Midway veterans and former residents of Midway, as well as former Michigan Congressman Kerry Bentivolio. (Congressman Bentivolio attended the House Hearing on November 20, 2014 had posed several pertinent questions to the FWS). The following day (June 6), the Congressman and I answered questions posed by the public in a bank reception room for over one and a half hours. In the end, the Congressman and I felt the time we worked together was very worthwhile.
The U.S. Naval Institute Press has contacted me to inform me that they feel that the manuscript entitled Pacific Rivalry at the Turning Point should be shorted and that the Institute would provide me with an editor for the manuscript. I have agreed to the suggestions but will speak to the Director of the Institute on the details of the recommendations on July 9, 2015.
The IMMF has been working on a design and creation of a Wake Island Monument. The design created by the IMMF has been approved by the Wake Island organization and is in the hands of sculptor John Kinniard, who created the Midway National Memorial Monument. Once the design is complete we will attempt to raise funding for its production.
Chris and I wish everyone a happy summer.
Written By:
Chairman and Founder, IMMF
Written By:
Vice President and Chairman, IMMF
