The Trumps then tossed white flower petals into the water above the battleship’s sunken hull.
The president did not speak publicly at the memorial. He said during an earlier meeting with military officials that he eagerly anticipated the visit.
Trump arrived at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam on Friday afternoon after a daylong flight from Washington. He departs Saturday for Japan, the first stop on the five-nation, 11-day Asia journey that will also take him to South Korea, China, Vietnam and the Philippines.
The president quickly donned a lei after he left Air Force One with first lady Melania Trump, who also wore a wreath of flowers. He signed autographs and gave high-fives to kids who were among a group of civilians and service members that gathered for the arrival.
Trump wasn’t the only attraction to arrive on base. A few in the crowd shouted for White House chief of staff John Kelly.
“We love you General Kelly,” one person shouted at the retired four-star Marine general who is among senior White House aides traveling with Trump.
They were expected to discuss the growing threat from North Korea, a crisis that will shadow the entire trip. Trump was also scheduled to meet with the governors of Alaska, Hawaii and Pacific U.S. territories — all potential targets of any successful attempt by North Korea to strike the U.S. with a nuclear-tipped missile.
