SAN DIEGO (KGTV) - The first of its kind "Pass the Torch" ceremony Saturday honored veterans and the 77th anniversary of the Battle of Midway, aboard the USS Midway.
The ceremony acknowledged as time goes on, less veterans are able to tell their stories. This was the opportunity to share those incredible moments from the battle that turned the tide in WWII.
Doctor Charles Monroe served during the battle and said this was the most challenging moment he faced, "One Jap Zero was above, I looked back and looked up and pulled my gun up to try and shoot him and the turret stopped working and the gun stopped working, so I prayed. I wasn't a Christian, but I prayed and said ,'Lord get me out of this mess and I'll go to church,' and I kept my word."
Monroe was paired with Paige Dominguez, 26, who is enlisting as a hospital corpsman. She told 10News she felt goosebumps as she heard the harrowing tales from heroes who passed away.
When the moment came to say the oath, she felt like everything fell away, "it felt like we got to have that little moment to share and it was just us and I thought that was really an incredible opportunity."
An opportunity Monroe hopes will last a lifetime, ensuring his sense of duty is passed on, "realize that the Navy has has a great part in the defense of our nation."
"I think it's extremely important just like learning about 9/11, and learning about WWI and WWII, all of that because we wouldn't be where we are today if we didn't acknowledge what has gotten up here," Dominguez said.
Paige will start boot camp August 12th.
