End of WWII Commemoration Ceremony
Join us on September 2, 2025, as we commemorate the 80th Anniversary of the End of WWII with a solemn ceremony honoring the historic day that marked the dawn of lasting peace. This solemn event honors the courage, sacrifice, and triumph of WWII veterans and celebrates the universal values of duty, honor, strength, resolve, sacrifice, and peace. The USS Missouri, a symbol of hope and resilience, serves as a reminder of the war's devastating cost and the enduring spirit that led to the hope of a better world. Join us in honoring the Greatest Generation and their legacy, while reflecting on the lessons of war and peace.
Event Details:
- Date: Tuesday, September 2, 2025
- Time: 9:02am – 10:30am HST
- Location: Battleship Missouri Memorial Forward Pier
- Attire: Summer Whites, Service Equivalent or Aloha Crisp Attire
This event is FREE and open to the public, inviting all to witness this historic commemoration of the moment that took place 80 years ago aboard the USS Missouri. While the event is free, we kindly ask attendees to please reserve their tickets in advance.
REGISTRATION CLOSES AUGUST 22, 2025.
Can’t make it in person? Watch the event live on the Battleship Missouri Memorial’s YouTube and Facebook channels.
The YouTube livestream will begin at 8:45 AM HST on September 2, 2025.
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.
PLAN YOUR VISIT
Extend Your Visit: Tours & New Exhibition
We warmly invite all guests attending the End of WWII Commemoration Ceremony to enhance their experience by touring the Battleship Missouri Memorial and exploring our newest interactive exhibit, Pathway to Peace: USS Missouri’s World War II Experience. Opening on September 2, 2025, this exhibit marks the 80th anniversary of the war’s end and offers an immersive journey through the history and stories of the ship and its Sailors.
General admission includes a 35-minute guided tour highlighting the ship’s most significant areas. Following the tour, guests are welcome to explore the upper deck for panoramic views of Pearl Harbor or visit the lower decks to see the living quarters where Sailors ate, slept, and spent much of their time at sea.
If you have not yet visited the Mighty Mo, we warmly encourage you to seize this memorable opportunity. Tickets are available for purchase conveniently at the ticket window on the pier or online.
For any inquiries regarding the September 2 End of WWII Commemoration Ceremony, please contact us directly at rsvp@ussmissouri.org.
Explore the Battleship Missouri through guided or self-paced tours, including special Captain’s and Chief Engineer’s experiences. Extend your visit with the Passport to Pearl Harbor for a complete historic journey.
September 2 — Grand opening of the new WWII exhibit
End of WWII Commemoration Ceremony
Join Us
Reserve your seat by August 22 for this historic ceremony honoring the legacy of World War II and those who served.
