End of WWII Commemoration Ceremony
On September 2, 2025, guests gathered aboard the USS Missouri to commemorate the 80th Anniversary of the End of World War II with a solemn ceremony honoring the historic day that marked the dawn of lasting peace.
This moving event paid tribute to the courage, sacrifice, and triumph of WWII veterans, and celebrated the universal values of duty, honor, strength, resolve, sacrifice, and peace. The USS Missouri, a symbol of hope and resilience, stood as a powerful reminder of the war’s devastating cost and the enduring spirit that inspired the hope of a better world.
Together, we honored the legacy of the Greatest Generation and reflected on the lasting lessons of war and peace.
Watch the full ceremony below.
Mahalo To Our Ceremony Speakers
Michael Carr
Emcee
President & CEO, USS Missouri Memorial Association
Mike Carr has served as President and CEO of the USS Missouri Memorial Association since 2008, leading the Battleship Missouri through some of its most successful years. A former U.S. Army officer and longtime Hawai‘i business leader, Carr has played a vital role in preserving the historic legacy of the “Mighty Mo,” which has welcomed over 10 million visitors since opening in 1999. Carr is the former President of Polynesian Adventure Tours and the Hawaii Convention Park Council, and Past President of the Historic Naval Ships Association. In 2022, he was honored with Japan’s prestigious Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Neck Ribbon, for his contributions to strengthening U.S.–Japan relations.
Admiral Samuel Paparo
Keynote Speaker
Commander, U.S. Indo-Pacific Command
Admiral Sam Paparo serves as the 27th Commander of U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, the United States’ oldest and largest combatant command. A career naval aviator and TOPGUN graduate, he has flown over 6,000 hours and completed more than 1,100 carrier landings in the F-14, F-15, and F/A-18. He previously commanded U.S. Pacific Fleet and U.S. Naval Forces Central Command. ADM Paparo is the son of a former enlisted Marine and the grandson of a World War II enlisted Sailor—making his role as keynote speaker for this commemoration especially meaningful. His decades of service reflect a lifelong commitment to preserving peace, honoring legacy, and safeguarding freedom across the Indo-Pacific.
Edgar “Ed” Buffman
Distinguished Guest Speaker
World War II Veteran, USS Missouri
Mr. Ed Buffman served aboard the USS Missouri from 1944 to 1946 as a Gunner’s Mate Second Class. He was present onboard the Missouri for the formal surrender ceremony in Tokyo Bay on September 2, 1945, which officially ended World War II. Following his service, he co-founded the Pennsylvania Veterans Museum in Media, Pennsylvania, alongside fellow veterans and local leaders.
Emma Baksic
Student Speaker
Speech Contest Winner, Hawai‘i Technology Academy
Emma Baksic is a senior at Hawai‘i Technology Academy and this year’s winner of the “What Can I Do for Peace?” speech contest. She serves as co-president of her school’s global affairs club (PAAC) and vice president of the National Honor Society chapter. Outside of school, Emma volunteers in her community through hospice care, service projects, and school leadership. She plans to pursue a career in medicine, where she hopes to continue making a meaningful impact on the lives of others.