Midway Atoll is a collection of three small islands in the North Pacific, and one of the most remote places on earth. In many ways, this film could be shot in many places on the planet where we find tragedy and despair, but here- about halfway between the U.S. and Asia- on an island teeming with life and wonder, it is the proverbial canary in the coal mine.
Midway Atoll is located near the apex of what is being called the Pacific Garbage Patch, a swirling soup of millions of tons of plastic pollution. In fact, much of this plastic can not be seen at, but it can’t be avoided as it comes ashore on these pristine beaches and in the stomachs of the birds. The islands are literally covered with plastic garbage, illustrating on several levels the interconnectedness and interdependence of the systems on our finite planet.
The ironies are unmistakable- the first trans-atlantic cable was connected here on Midway; the scars from the Battle of Midway are unmistakable. Yet now, as a protected area, we can’t help but look at the role this island had in the past, and think about where we are today. This place, a historic moment in World War II, stands a turning point that launched America’s economic dominance of the 20th Century. And so it is here, sitting halfway between the consumers of North America and the consumers of Asia, that we get to stop and consider some of the unintentional consequences of growth, and the responsibilities that we have for our planet.
7 Comments
Hi Jay
This is Jenny and I got your name and info from Andi, my friend at Rooftop School where I teach 5th grade. I used to live on Midway Island when my dad was stationed there in the late 1960′s. My dad was a pilot, and because he loved flying, he was fascinated with birds. I have footage of albatross (we used to call them “goonie birds”) taking off and landing on Midway. In this same video, dad filmed fairy terns, bos’n birds, and frigates. It was all so beautiful then. I have looked at most of your website, and it just breaks my heart to see my former home, where I swam every day, with all this plastic garbage – and the dead albatross – it’s all so sad… Please feel free to contact me if you want. Andi says you might come to Rooftop someday. I’d love to meet you and talk to you about Midway. Jenny
My parents lived on Midway in the 60′s while my Pop was in the Navy.
I lived on Midway from 1961-69 in one of cable building. Last time I looked Midway was still in the Pacific ” the ironies are unmistakable-the first trans- atlantic cable was connected here on Midway”
I had the great opportunity to live on Midway from March 1972 to June 1974.
I was a weather observer in the Navy. I lived in Charlie Barracks and worked
in the Weather Office(NWSED) which was located on the second floor of the
hanger. I also got to revisit Midway in April 2000 for a week. It is a shame
that Midway is no longer open to the public.
Such a powerful message and so needed. I would love to help in some way and will be thinking on this. I will promote this cause in whatever way I am able.
You are doing great work, a very important project.
I was not aware of this, although I have done a deal research on the cable history.
However, with regard to your website comments on the undersea telegraph cable:
it is the [trans-] Pacific Ocean cable,not the Atlantic. The company was the Commercial Pacific Cable Company and it was the second, not first, trans-Pacific cable. The All Red Route, owned by a British, Canadian, Australian, and New Zealand consortium [the Pacific Cable Board] built and complete their trans-Pacific almost two years earlier.
All the best,
I turned 8years old in oct 1972 while my father was stationd on midway we lived in petty officer housing D- 18 # 6308 accross from the old baseball field. my father is MCB-5 Clarance Albert Levingston JR, and he worked with the security MPs for a short time. I dont know if you new him but my family loved living on Midway. The memories of Midway and the friends we mad will always be rememberd. If anyone remembers my family please contact me ambernbert@yahoo.com, I’d love to here from anyone thanks
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