Aloha Fridays 2025 "Symbols of Peace"
The Education Department at the Battleship Missouri Memorial invites families to join for "Aloha Fridays" this summer. This special event series will take place each Friday from 11:00am-2:00pm through June and July. Learn more about Symbols of Peace from around the world, featuring our biggest Symbol of Peace – the Mighty Mo herself!
On September 2, 1945, the Empire of Japan surrendered onboard the Battleship Missouri in Tokyo Bay, a moment when hope for lasting peace reemerged. The most devastating war in history ended with the stroke of a pen and words of reconciliation. As General Douglas MacArthur proclaimed, “...from this solemn occasion, a better world shall emerge... founded upon faith and understanding, dedicated to dignity, freedom, tolerance, and justice.” Japanese delegate Toshikazu Kase echoed this, calling that day on the USS Missouri a “bright point” in the march toward enduring peace.
This year’s Aloha Fridays will remember that legacy with an educational activity centered on peace. It is a scavenger hunt style adventure, inspiring keiki and their families to look closer as they walk through the second deck of the ship. Our educators and staff will be stationed in the mess decks to guide our participants and to answer any questions. The activity will be tons of fun and include some giveaways for those that complete it, but will also be an opportunity to engage with exhibits, learn some history, and explore areas the Sailors lived in.
Dates: Fridays, June 6-July 25
Time: 11:00am-2:00pm
Location: Begin at the bottom of the ladder in the mess decks on Second Deck
Ages: The activity is designed mainly for ages 6-11 but can be a family/team effort
Come and see if you can find the colorful cranes on our battleship's second deck!
Origami cranes
Interested in learning more about origami cranes, also known as "orizuru," and Sadako Sasaki?
Sadako was a Japanese girl who became a victim of the atomic bombing of Hiroshima in the summer of 1945.
Sadako’s story is one of resilience, hope, and the profound impact of a single young girl. At just two years old, she survived the atomic bombing of Hiroshima. A decade later, she faced leukemia with unwavering determination, folding 1,300 cranes (some as small as a grain of rice) in pursuit of her wish for health, inspired by her father’s retelling of the Japanese legend of the thousand origami cranes.
Today, her legacy continues to inspire peace and unity around the world.
Here is a video from a past curator at the Battleship Missouri Memorial that includes both background on Sadako and a guided crane-folding tutorial:
If you have any questions about this activity or any of our other education programs, please reach out to our education team at edu@ussmissouri.org
