Battleship Missouri Memorial Honors Generations of Service at Veterans Day Sunset Ceremony
Posted on 11/12/26.PEARL HARBOR, HAWAI‘I (November 11, 2026) – The Battleship Missouri Memorial honored the men and women who have served in the United States Armed Forces during its annual Veterans Day Sunset Ceremony aboard the historic Mighty Mo. This year’s theme, “America at 250 – Honoring Generations of Service,” recognized the contributions of generations of veterans as the nation continues to observe its 250th anniversary.
“The Battleship Missouri is more than a historic ship. She represents the courage, commitment and sacrifice of the generations who served our nation. As we welcome our community aboard the Mighty Mo this Veterans Day, we are reminded of the importance of honoring those who came before us and preserving their stories for generations to come. It is our privilege and responsibility to care for this historic ship and ensure her legacy continues to inspire future generations,” said Michael Carr, president and chief executive officer of the USS Missouri Memorial Association.
Held on the ship’s historic Fantail overlooking Pearl Harbor, the ceremony brought together veterans, state and military leaders, community members and guests for an evening of remembrance and gratitude. The program honored those who have served in times of war and peace and reflected on the sacrifices made by service members and their families to protect the nation’s freedoms.
The ceremony featured keynote speaker Major General Suzanne P. Vares-Lum (Ret.), director of the Daniel K. Inouye Asia-Pacific Center for Security Studies, and distinguished guest speaker John P. Alamodin, director of the State of Hawaiʻi Office of Veterans’ Services. Both speakers reflected on the significance of military service and the importance of honoring veterans and their contributions to the nation.
“For most veterans, service does not end when we take off the uniform. Their time in uniform may have ended, but their impact has not. We must recognize the experience, judgment, leadership and compassion that veterans continue to bring to our neighborhoods, our workplaces, our schools and our communities,” said Vares-Lum. “As we honor those who served before us, we also carry a shared kuleana to remember their sacrifices, support those who serve today, and ensure future generations understand the legacy they leave behind.”
Vares-Lum served 34 years in the U.S. Army before retiring as a major general in 2021. During her military career, she held senior leadership assignments at U.S. Indo-Pacific Command and helped establish and lead the Joint Intelligence Center in Balad, Iraq, during Operation Iraqi Freedom III. She now leads the Daniel K. Inouye Asia-Pacific Center for Security Studies, advancing security cooperation and leadership development across the Indo-Pacific.
“Ultimately, we must and we will continue to honor the service and sacrifices of our veterans, recognize the generations of families who have served, and ensure that those who wear the uniform today know they are supported by the communities they serve,” said John P. Alamodin, director of the State of Hawai‘i Office of Veterans’ Services. “All relationships take work, and our commitment to those who have served must extend beyond this day—not just on Veterans Day, but throughout the year.”
A lieutenant colonel in the Hawaiʻi Army National Guard, Alamodin has deployed in support of Operations Enduring Freedom, Spartan Shield and Inherent Resolve. In his current role as director of the State of Hawaiʻi Office of Veterans’ Services, he leads statewide efforts to support veterans, their dependents and survivors.
The ceremony also highlighted the significance of the Battleship Missouri Memorial as a place of remembrance and reflection. The USS Missouri served the nation for more than five decades across World War II, the Korean War and Desert Storm. On September 2, 1945, Japan’s formal surrender was signed aboard the ship, marking the end of World War II.
Together with the nearby USS Arizona Memorial, the Mighty Mo helps tell the story of Pearl Harbor and the events that shaped the course of World War II. Today, the ship serves as a living memorial, connecting visitors with the history of those who served and preserving their stories for future generations.
Please credit to the Battleship Missouri Memorial.
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Caption: Veterans Day Sunset Ceremony aboard the Battleship Missouri Memorial.
Caption: Parade the Colors by Joint Service Color Guard, U.S. Pacific Command.
Caption: U.S. Pacific Fleet Band, rifle salute by Marine Corps Base Hawai‘i and Amazing Grace played by Rick Jackson of Celtic Pipes and Drums of Hawai‘i.
Caption: Michael Carr, president and chief executive officer of the USS Missouri Memorial Association and distinguished guest speaker John P. Alamodin, director, State of Hawai‘i Office of Veterans’ Services.
Caption: Keynote speaker Susan P. Vares-Lum, director of the Daniel K. Inouye Asia-Pacific Center for Security Studies.
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:
Jaclyn Hawse
(808) 455-1600 ext. 246
Shere'e Quitevis
(808) 741-1668
sheree.quitevis@finnpartners.com