Battleship Missouri Memorial Commemorates the 81st Anniversary of the End of World War II
Posted on 9/3/26.FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
“From Pearl Harbor to Peace: The Journey That Changed the World” reflects on the historic journey from December 7, 1941, to the signing of the Instrument of Surrender aboard USS Missouri
PEARL HARBOR, HI – September 2, 2026 – The Battleship Missouri Memorial today commemorated the 81st anniversary of the end of World War II with a ceremony aboard the USS Missouri, honoring the service and sacrifice of those who served while reflecting on the journey from the attack on Pearl Harbor to the signing of the Instrument of Surrender aboard the historic battleship.
“The journey from Pearl Harbor to peace was one of extraordinary courage, sacrifice and perseverance, and it changed the course of history,” said Michael Carr, President and CEO of the USS Missouri Memorial Association. “Decades later, the Mighty Mo remains a powerful place to remember that journey—not only where we mark the end of World War II, but where we can reflect on the lessons of that history and the responsibility we have to carry them forward.”
The ceremony began at 9:02 a.m. on the ship’s historic fantail, centered on this year’s theme, “From Pearl Harbor to Peace: The Journey That Changed the World.” On September 2, 1945, representatives of the Allied Powers and Imperial Japan gathered aboard USS Missouri in Tokyo Bay to sign the Instrument of Surrender, officially bringing World War II to an end.
The program brought together leaders representing Hawaiʻi’s connection to Pearl Harbor, the preservation of its history, the State of Hawaiʻi and the broader significance of peace and security in the Indo-Pacific.
Tom Leatherman, superintendent of Pearl Harbor National Memorial, served as a distinguished guest speaker and reflected on the history connecting Pearl Harbor to the end of World War II aboard USS Missouri. Leatherman has spent more than 35 years with the National Park Service and has led Pearl Harbor National Memorial since 2021.
“The end of the war was not the end of the story. It marked a new beginning. A path toward peace that changed the world and continues to shape it today. And look at how far we’ve come. We tell the stories of reconciliation between Japan and the U.S. through exhibits, through joint ceremonies, and through our ongoing connections and programs that bring students from Japan to learn about history here in Hawai‘I,” said Leatherman.
Acting Lieutenant Governor Keith Regan, representing Governor Josh Green and the State of Hawaiʻi, offered official remarks recognizing the significance of the anniversary and Hawaiʻi’s unique place in the history of World War II. Regan began serving as acting lieutenant governor in 2026 while continuing to serve as director of the Department of Accounting and General Services and State Comptroller. Reflecting on the profound impact the war had on Hawaiʻi and the significance of the two historic ships that bookend that story, Regan said:
“The war that began for our nation on a Sunday morning in these very waters, came to its end aboard this very ship. Today, the Missouri keeps watch just across the Arizona. Two ships, two moments––the beginning and the end of the same long story held together in one harbor in the beautiful state of Hawai‘i. For us, that day was deeply personal. Our islands had endured nearly four years of war. Hawai‘i was the only part of America placed under martial law with blackouts, curfews, rationing and barbwire along the beautiful beaches of Waikīkī. We become the staging ground of the entire war in the Pacific.”
The ceremony’s keynote address was delivered by Dr. Miemie Winn Byrd, professor at the Daniel K. Inouye Asia-Pacific Center for Security Studies and a retired U.S. Army lieutenant colonel. During her 28 years of military service, Byrd supported operations across the Indo-Pacific, including POW/MIA recovery efforts in Myanmar. Born in Burma, she reflected on her personal connection to the legacy of World War II while standing aboard Missouri, whose original deck was built from Burmese teak. Drawing on her experience supporting POW/MIA recovery efforts, Byrd reflected on the enduring human cost of war and the responsibility carried forward by each generation:
“Watching those heroes return to their families reminded me that while wars may end with a signature, their human cost endures for generations. But those missions also revealed something uniquely American: America never stopped looking. America never forgot. Those simple truths reflect a nation that keeps its promises, values every individual, and honors sacrifice. As we honor those who served during World War II, let us also remember the responsibility they entrusted to us. Their generation-built alliances, fostered reconciliation, and proved that former adversaries could become trusted friends. Now it is our turn.”
The commemoration included a presentation of the colors by the Joint Service Color Guard, U.S. Pacific Command; performances of the National Anthem, Hawaiʻi Ponoʻi and God Bless America by the U.S. Pacific Fleet Band; and a remembrance honoring service members who made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of the country and the freedoms enjoyed today. The tribute included a moment of silence, Taps by the U.S. Pacific Fleet Band and Amazing Grace by Celtic Pipes & Drums Hawaiʻi, and concluded with a 21-rifle salute by Marine Corps Air Station Kaneohe Bay.
Please credit to the Battleship Missouri Memorial.
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Caption: Battleship Missouri Memorial today commemorated the 81st anniversary of the end of World War II.
Caption: Attendees at the 81st anniversary of the end of World War II ceremony aboard the Mighty Mo.
Caption: Today’s keynote speaker Dr. Miemie Winn Byrd, professor at the Daniel K. Inouye Asia-Pacific Center for Security Studies and retired U.S. Army lieutenant colonel, with Michael Carr, president and CEO of the USS Missouri Memorial Association, during the Battleship Missouri Memorial’s 81st Anniversary of the End of World War II ceremony.
Caption: William A. Kearns III, chairman of the Battleship Missouri Memorial Board of Directors, delivers welcome remarks during the Battleship Missouri Memorial’s 81st Anniversary of the End of World War II ceremony.
Caption: Tom Leatherman, superintendent of Pearl Harbor National Memorial, delivers remarks during the Battleship Missouri Memorial’s 81st Anniversary of the End of World War II ceremony.
Caption: Acting Lieutenant Governor Keith Regan, representing Governor Josh Green and the State of Hawaiʻi, delivers remarks during the Battleship Missouri Memorial’s 81st Anniversary of the End of World War II ceremony.
Caption: The Joint Service Color Guard, U.S. Pacific Command, presents the colors during the Battleship Missouri Memorial’s 81st Anniversary of the End of World War II ceremony on Sept. 2, 2026. The commemoration included performances by the U.S. Pacific Fleet Band, a moment of silence honoring those who made the ultimate sacrifice, Amazing Grace by Celtic Pipes & Drums Hawaiʻi, and a concluding 21-rifle salute by Marine Corps Air Station Kaneohe Bay.
Battleship Missouri Memorial
Since opening in January 1999, the Battleship Missouri Memorial has attracted more than 10-million visitors from around the world with a fascinating tour experience showcasing the USS Missouri’s unique place in history. Located a mere ship’s length from the USS Arizona Memorial, the Mighty Mo completes a historical visitor experience that begins with the “day of infamy” and sinking of the USS Arizona in Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941 and ends with Japan’s formal surrender aboard the USS Missouri in Tokyo Bay on September 2, 1945.
The USS Missouri had an astounding career over five decades and three wars – World War II, the Korean War, and Desert Storm – after which it was decommissioned and donated to the USS Missouri Memorial Association, Inc., a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. The Association operates the Battleship Missouri Memorial as a historic attraction and oversees her care and preservation with the support of visitors, memberships, grants, and donations.
The Battleship Missouri Memorial is open daily from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Military, kama‘āina (local resident) and school group pricing is available. For information or reservations, call (808) 455-1600 or visit USSMissouri.org.
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Media Contacts:
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Jaclyn Hawse
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