A ceremony took place at the Battleship Missouri Memorial in Pearl Harbor on September 2nd, marking the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II. The event, supported by the Bob & Dolores Hope Foundation, honored the service of veterans.
Eight surviving crewmembers of the USS Missouri, many in their late 90s and early 100s, were present. These men served aboard the ship during the Japanese surrender ceremony in Tokyo Bay. Their participation made the commemoration particularly poignant.
They were joined by seventeen additional World War II veterans at the official ceremony. The ceremony began at 9:02 am, precisely eighty years after the war’s end.
The commemoration was part of a four-day celebration presented by the Bob & Dolores Hope Foundation. This included events at the Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum and the Battleship Missouri Memorial. These events attracted over 15,000 visitors.
Linda Hope, Chair and CEO of the Bob & Dolores Hope Foundation, expressed pride in supporting this tribute to the veterans and the sacrifices made during the war. She noted the importance of honoring both those who served in the military and the civilians on the home front.
Michael Carr, President and CEO of the Battleship Missouri Memorial, emphasized the significance of the USS Missouri as the site where World War II officially concluded. He highlighted the memorial’s role in preserving this historical connection.
John Hiltz, CEO of the Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum, reflected on the commemoration’s impact, emphasizing the heroism and resilience of the Greatest Generation and the importance of preserving peace.
The Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum, a Smithsonian Affiliate, features numerous artifacts and aircraft from the war, offering visitors a comprehensive understanding of the conflict. The museum’s educational programs aim to engage future generations.
The Battleship Missouri Memorial, open since 1999, has welcome
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