General Contest Information

What: As part of our 80th Anniversary of the End of WWII Commemoration Events, the Battleship Missouri Memorial is hosting a speech contest for students (Grades 8-11). The prompt and awards are directly below, along with additional information further below:

Prompt:

At the end of the ceremony to end World War II on September 2, 1945, held aboard USS Missouri in Tokyo Bay, Japan; General Douglas MacArthur said “Let us pray that peace be now restored to the world…” Now, 80 years later, that peace is being tested throughout the world. In a well-written, rehearsed speech of about 3 minutes in length, answer the question: “What can I do for peace? What Can I Actively Do to Cultivate a Peaceful Society?” and share what you can and will do for peace and the promotion of peace in our community. Give examples of your commitment to peace in our world and for our time.

Recording of speech must be 3 minutes long, including student’s image and audio of good quality. 

Prizes:

Grand Prize

• Opportunity to read winning speech at 80th Anniversary - Commemorating the End of WWII on September 2
• VIP Tickets for 10 to the 80th anniversary End of WWII Commemoration Ceremony on September 2
• Speech published in commemorative 80th anniversary program

Top 3 Finalists

• VIP Tour passes for winner and up to 9 guests (to tour the Mighty Mo at a time and date of their choice)
• Feature on the ussmissouri.org page of student and speech
• Featured on the Battleship Missouri Memorial social media channels as a Student Peace Ambassador
• Invitation to the 80th anniversary of the End of WWII Commemoration Ceremony on September 2
• Author Signed copy of Pearl Harbor Child (Dorinda Nicholson)

Who: Private, public, or charter school students, Grades 8-11*, associated with school on Oahu and with a teacher that can assist in preparing their speech. 

When: The contest is open for submissions until April 25, 2025. Finalist students will be announced on May 5, 2025.
 

How: 

• Read the Guided Peace Speech Contest Teacher and Student Resource

• Submit your information and Speech by filling out a Google Form.

• Submit your speech by April 25, 2025 in MPV or MOV formats AND the written version in PDF.
• A reminder that the speech recording must be approximately 3 minutes long (350-450 words), including the student’s image and audio of good quality.

REQUIRED: Students MUST be willing to sign media release forms and have their video submissions shared via the Battleship Missouri Memorial social media platforms.

Email education@ussmissouri.org for more information.

*Initially the contest was open to grades 9-11. We are allowing 8th grade submissions. Please keep in mind for all grade levels that the contest takes place this school year and the reward is given at the beginning of the next, so teachers are encouraged to stay in touch with the student through the completion of the speech contest (September 2025)