Battleship Missouri Memorial and Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum Join Forces for Historic 80th WWII Commemoration Events presented by the Bob & Dolores Hope Foundation
Posted on 8/5/25.
Pearl Harbor, HI (August 5, 2025) – In a powerful show of unity and remembrance, the Battleship Missouri Memorial and Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum are coming together to host a historic four-day commemoration marking the 80th anniversary of the End of World War II. Presented by the Bob & Dolores Hope Foundation, the series of public events invites the local community, military families, educators, and visitors from around the world to participate in honoring the legacy of the Greatest Generation and celebrating the peace their sacrifice secured.
“My dad would have been very proud of this Commemoration, which salutes those members of the Greatest Generation who fought for freedom in regions experiencing geopolitical tensions, including the deserts of North Africa, the beaches of Normandy and the islands of the South Pacific,” said Linda Hope, Chair & CEO of the Bob & Dolores Hope Foundation. “We are honored to help remember the patriotism, valor and sacrifice of the 16 million Americans who served in our military during World War II.”
From August 30 through September 2, 2025, the public is encouraged to take part in a wide range of community-friendly activities, including ceremonies, educational exhibits, film screenings, youth programming, and rare opportunities to meet eight living USS Missouri crewmembers who witnessed the war’s official surrender in 1945.
“This anniversary is not just about looking back, it’s about coming together as a community to reflect, learn, and carry the values of service and resilience forward,” said Michael Carr, President and CEO of the USS Missouri Memorial Association. John Hiltz, CEO of the Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum, added, “We are proud to partner on this once-in-a-generation commemoration and open our doors to all who wish to honor the past and inspire the future.”
Support provided by Hawai‘i Tourism Authority through the Signature Events Program, helps to ensure this commemorative event reach audiences across Hawai‘i and beyond.
Flight Adventures
Saturday & Sunday, August 30 & 31 | 10:00 A.M. | Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum
Attend a FREE family day with keiki activities, RC flying, popular food and craft vendors, E.K. Fernandez carnival rides (additional fee), and the return of the Biggest Little Air Show. All guests will have access to drive directly onto Ford Island with pre-registration.
Lt Dan Band Concert
Saturday, August 30 | 5:00 PM | Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum Airfield
Join actor and humanitarian Gary Sinise and the Lt. Dan Band for a FREE outdoor concert honoring veterans, first responders, and their families. Makaha Suns will headline at 4:00 p.m. All are welcome to attend.
Formed by Gary Sinise and Kimo Williams in 2003, the Lt. Dan Band was created to perform at USO shows to entertain the troops and raise funds for disabled veterans. The band is named after the character Lieutenant Dan, whom Sinise famously portrayed in Forrest Gump.
Commemoration Gala
Sunday, August 31 | 5:30 PM | Battleship Missouri Memorial, Forward Pier
A formal evening tribute at the historic USS Missouri offer’s guests the rare opportunity to dine where history was made, situated between the bookends of WWII. Guests can purchase individual seats or sponsor tables to help honor 8 living WWII Veterans and USS Missouri crewmembers who witnessed the historic Surrender 80 years ago.
Highlights include dinner, live performances, and reflections by Clifton Truman Daniel, grandson of President Harry S. Truman. The evening concludes with a patriotic USO-style show under the stars.
Film Showings
Saturday, August 30 | 11:00 AM | Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum
“Miles, Morale and Memories: Bob Hope and WWII”
Featuring a live Q&A with Gary Sinise, Linda Hope (Bob Hope’s daughter), and Martha Bolton, co-author of Dear Bob: Bob Hope’s Wartime Correspondence with the G.I.s of World War II. Moderated by journalist Dave Price.
Monday, September 1 | 2:00 PM | Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum
“Surrender on the USS Missouri”
A moving documentary produced by the WWII Foundation. On September 2, 1945, World War II officially ended when Japan signed the Formal Surrender documents aboard the USS Missouri. This powerful film captures the historic moment, the ship that bore witness, and the courageous crew who served aboard her.
End of World War II Commemoration Ceremony
Tuesday, September 2 | Battleship Missouri Memorial, Second Deck
A solemn ceremony honoring the historic day that marked the dawn of lasting peace. This historic commemoration honors the courage, sacrifice and triumph of WWII veterans and celebrates the universal values of duty, honor, strength, resolve, sacrifice and peace.
Held pier side of the USS Missouri on the exact anniversary of the surrender, this formal ceremony will honor all who served and sacrificed during World War II.
Event tickets, gala seats and tables, and more information about the full 80th Commemoration are available online at www.ussmissouri.org/endofwwii
For sponsorship opportunities and to learn how your organization can support this historic occasion, visit https://ussmissouri.org/files/2025-End-of-WWII-Sponsorship-Package-BOB-HOPE-3.pdf
To download images: https://finnpartners.box.com/s/424jfjkqgbn3j0y894e9eomrgq6y9fwf
- Photo Courtesy: Battleship Missouri Memorial
About the Battleship Missouri Memorial
Since opening in January 1999, the Battleship Missouri Memorial has attracted more than 10-million visitors from around the world with a fascinating tour experience showcasing the USS Missouri’s unique place in history. Located a mere ship’s length from the USS Arizona Memorial, the Mighty Mo completes a historical visitor experience that begins with the “day of infamy” and sinking of the USS Arizona in Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, and ends with Japan’s formal surrender aboard the USS Missouri in Tokyo Bay on September 2, 1945.
The USS Missouri had an astounding career over five decades and three wars – World War II, the Korean War, and Desert Storm – after which it was decommissioned and donated to the USS Missouri Memorial Association, Inc., a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. The Association operates the Battleship Missouri Memorial as a historic attraction and oversees her care and preservation with the support of visitors, memberships, grants, and donations.
The Battleship Missouri Memorial is open daily from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Military, kama‘āina (local resident) and school group pricing is available. For information or reservations, call (808) 455-1600 or visit USSMissouri.org.
About Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum
Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum is more than a museum—it’s a place where history, innovation, and inspiration come together. Located on Historic Ford Island, the site of the December 7, 1941 attack, the Museum stands on America’s World War II aviation battlefield. Visitors can walk through bullet-scarred hangars, see legendary aircraft like the Japanese Zero and B-17 Swamp Ghost, and hear the powerful stories of the heroes who changed the course of history. Beyond preserving the past, Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum is committed to shaping the future. Through youth programs, scholarships, and workforce development initiatives, the Museum educates and empowers the next generation. From signature events like PHAMily Fun Day to hands-on STEM experiences, flight simulators and more, the Museum connects people of all ages with the wonder of flight and the importance of history. A 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, the Museum relies on donations, volunteers, and members to fulfill its mission: to steward America’s WWII aviation battlefield and inspire future generations through education and remembrance. Join us, support our work, or plan your visit at PearlHarborAviationMuseum.org.
About the Bob & Dolores Hope Foundation
Bob and Dolores Hope Foundation (BobHope.org) supports organizations that bring "HOPE" to those in need and those who served to protect our nation. The Foundation also supports charitable organizations that preserve and honor the legacy of Bob Hope as an American entertainer, humanitarian, patriot, sportsman and supporter of military personnel and their families.
The 80th Anniversary of the End of World War II at the Battleship Missouri Memorial is made possible through the generous support of our dedicated sponsors. We extend our deepest gratitude to:
Mahalo to our Sponsors
A heartfelt mahalo to our Presenting Sponsor, The Bob & Dolores Hope Foundation, for their unwavering dedication to veterans and the legacy of service.
We also gratefully acknowledge the Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority for their supporting grant, which helps us share this powerful commemoration with residents and visitors from around the world.
A special thanks to Hawaiʻi Gas, Argo Infrastructure Partners, SSA Group, Hunt Development & Hunt Military Communities, Great Southern Wood Preserving, Inc., Hawaiian Dredging + Flatiron Dragados, iHeart Media, Watanabe Floral, Ala Moana Hotel, Halekulani, Pacific Air Cargo, U-Haul, OnStage Hawaii, Enterprise, Pritzker Military Foundation, Pepso, Chick-fil-A Makiki, and RHEMA Servicesfor their strong commitment to honoring history and supporting our mission. Special thanks to the Gary Sinise Foundation for their contribution and continued efforts to honor veterans first responders and their families.
Together, these partners help ensure that the courage and sacrifice of the Greatest Generation are never forgotten.
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Media Contact:
Jaclyn Hawse
(808) 285-9262
Shayreen Peltier
(808) 441-1011
Shayreen.Peltier@pearlharboraviationmusuem.com