Join Us to Remember and Honor
79th Anniversary of The End of World War II
DATE: SEPTEMBER 2, 2024 • 9:02 A.M.
September 2 commemorates the formal conclusion of WWII, when hope for an enduring peace once again seemed possible for the world. Through this ceremony, we aim to inspire, educate and motivate all nationalities and generations on the universal values of duty, honor, strength, resolve, sacrifice and peace. Missouri is an international icon, an enduring reminder of the unsurpassed courage and sacrifice of all WWII veterans, as well as a symbol of hope.
The most destructive and devastating war in the history of the world ended with the stroke of a pen and words of reconciliation and hope, and as MacArthur spoke these words at the Surrender, “…It is my earnest hope and indeed the hope of all mankind that from this solemn occasion a better world shall emerge out of the blood and carnage of the past – a world founded upon faith and understanding – a world dedicated to the dignity of man and the fulfillment of his most cherished wish – for freedom, tolerance and justice…”. As Japanese delegate Toshikazu Kase expressed in his book Journey to Missouri: “…The day will come when recorded time, age upon age, will seem but a point in retrospect. However, happen what may in the future, this day on the Missouri will stand out as a bright point that marks a tireless march toward an enduring peace...”
Each year, this ceremony reminds us of the cost of war and the
courage it takes to have faith, to believe that there remains goodness in
humanity even during the darkest of times, and to maintain that hope in the
face of continued threat of war and destruction. As it was expressed so
eloquently on the day of the surrender, we must remember and learn from our
past, and to educate and inspire current and future generations with the
lessons of war and peace.
Theme – Legacy of Valor: Honoring the 80th Anniversary of the Normandy Landings
Amidst the tumult of World War II, a defining moment of bravery and sacrifice unfolded on the shores of Normandy. The Normandy Landings, immortalized as D-Day, stand as a testament to the unwavering resolve of Allied forces in the face of tyranny and oppression. As we commemorate the 80th anniversary of this pivotal event, we honor the courageous souls who stormed those beaches, forever altering the course of history.
The heroes of D-Day were ordinary men thrust into extraordinary circumstances. From the soldiers storming the beaches under a hail of enemy fire to the paratroopers descending into the darkness behind enemy lines, each displayed unparalleled valor and determination. They faced unimaginable horrors with steely resolve, driven by a shared commitment to freedom and justice.
The legacy of the Normandy Landings endures as a beacon of courage and sacrifice, inspiring generations of soldiers to follow in their footsteps. Their unwavering resolve in the face of adversity serves as a timeless reminder of the human capacity for courage and resilience.
One emblem of this enduring legacy is the USS Missouri, a symbol of American military might and determination. Commissioned during World War II, the "Mighty Mo" played a pivotal role in the Pacific Theater, witnessing the surrender of Imperial Japan on September 2, 1945. As we reflect on the 80th anniversary of D-Day, we pay tribute to the brave souls who fought on the beaches of Normandy and aboard vessels like the Battleship Missouri, shaping the course of history and inspiring future generations of soldiers.
Their actions continue to resonate, reminding us of the extraordinary heights humanity can reach when faced with adversity. As we honor their memory, let us reaffirm our commitment to upholding the values for which they so bravely fought and sacrificed.
PLEASE JOIN US on Sept 02, at 9:02 AM (HST) for our 79th Anniversary of The End of World War II ceremony. Check on our Facebook page, and YouTube Channel for a live feed.
If you have any questions, please email Events@ussmissouri.org or by calling (808) 455-1600 ext. 225
Watch this year's commemoration here:
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Media Contacts
Jaclyn Hawse
Director of Communications & Business Development, Battleship Missouri Memorial
Tel: (808) 455-1600 x246
Fax: (808) 455-1598
JaclynH@ussmissouri.org
Shere'e Quitevis
Tel: (808) 741-1668
Sheree.Quitevis@FinnPartners.com
