Battleship Missouri Memorial Honors the 80th Anniversary of the Battle of Midway at the 77th Anniversary of the End of WWII Ceremony
Pearl Harbor, HI – (September 2, 2022) – The Battleship Missouri Memorial today welcomed guests back to the Mighty Mo in honor of the 77th anniversary of the end of World War II commemoration ceremony. The very ship where the world’s most destructive war officially came to an end, and Imperial Japan signed the Instrument of Surrender aboard the USS Missouri in Tokyo Bay on September 2, 1945.
The ceremony featured traditional military ceremonial elements, including a joint Armed Forces color guard, music by the U.S. Pacific Fleet Band, a rifle salute, playing of Taps, and performance of Amazing Grace by the Celtic Pipes and Drums of Hawai‘i to honor all service members who paid the ultimate sacrifice in defense of America’s freedoms.
“As we reflect on the significance of commemorating the end of World War II and the peace that continues to follow, we are also reminded of significant events that took place in history, like the 80th anniversary of the Battle of Midway,” said Michael Carr, President and CEO of the USS Missouri Memorial Association, caretaker of the Battleship Missouri Memorial. “This year’s 77th Anniversary of the End of World War II, we honor the heroes who saved the world from tyranny and fascism with a special dedication to the crucial battle that won the Pacific.”
On June 4, 1942, Japanese aircrafts attacked and severely damaged the United States base on Midway in an attempt to defeat the U.S. Pacific Fleet and use Midway as a base to attack Pearl Harbor, securing Japan’s dominance in the Pacific region. Unknown to the Japanese, the U.S. Navy and Admiral Chester Nimitz were aware of this planned attack – thanks to the U.S. Navy’s cryptanalysts who had partially broken Japanese communication codes in early 1942. This critical victory changed the tide of the war and successfully stopped the expansion of Japan in the Pacific, which gave the U.S. the momentum needed to win the war.
The keynote address was provided by John A. Tokar, Chief of the Center for Cryptologic History at the National Security Agency / Central Security Service. Tokar noted, “Without question, the cryptologic support to leadership in the days and months before June 1942 is one of the most significant stories that we teach to our workforce at any given opportunity.” He went on to highlight, “It was not the cryptologist that won the battle of Midway or any other battle in World War II. That distinction was clearly the result of the incredible bravery and resilience of our sailors, marines, and pilots.”
CAPT Christopher Eng served as distinguished guest speaker and shared words of gratitude for the Mighty Mo and her historical legacy that forever changed the world. He also shared lessons from the past and applying it to the future. “The current lesson I want to focus on is trust through relationships. Traveling back to the Battle of Midway, Commander Joe Rochefort worked closely alongside his friend, Edward Layton, the intelligence officer for the Pacific Fleet. Their uniquely positioned relationship and perseverance allowed them to bypass political obstacles and earn the trust of Admiral Chester Nimitz, who leveraged their valuable intelligence to plan the victorious battle that changed the tide of the war.”
The Japanese lost four fleet carriers, one cruiser, more than 3,000 sailors and experienced pilots and 320 aircraft. The United States lost the USS Yorktown, one destroyer, less then 400 men and 150 aircraft.
Link to Livestream: The Battleship Missouri Memorial livestreamed this event on its YouTube page.
Please credit photos to the Battleship Missouri Memorial.
Link to Photos: https://finnpartners.box.com/s/hecxdmgtwol2brawh590d82iwdvqs8ya
Caption: Rifle Salute by Marine Corps Air Station Kaneohe Bay, Marine Corps Base Hawai‘i and Amazing Grace by Rick Jackson, The Celtic Pipes and Drums of Hawai‘i.
Caption: The Battleship Missouri Memorial hosted its first in person Anniversary of the End of World War II Ceremony after three years of virtual programs due to COVID19.
Caption: Keynote speaker John Tokar, Chief, Center for Cryptologic History at the National Security Agency / Central Security Service.
Caption: Distinguished Guest Speaker CAPT Christopher Eng, Commander for the National Security Agency / Central Security Service Hawai‘i.
Caption: Former USS Missouri Crewmember, Larry Doong.
Caption: WWII veteran Lucio Sanico.
About the Battleship Missouri Memorial
Since opening in January 1999, the Battleship Missouri Memorial has attracted more than 9-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.
For information or reservations visit USSMissouri.org.
###
Media Contact:
Shere’e Quitevis
(808) 741-1668
Sheree.Quitevis@finnpartners.com
Jaclyn Hawse
(808) 455-1600 x246
JaclynH@ussmissouri.org