Battleship Missouri Memorial Honors the Shipyard Workers of WWII at the 78th Anniversary of the End of WWII

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

BATTLESHIP MISSOURI MEMORIAL HONORS THE SHIPYARD WORKERS OF WWII AT THE

78TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE END OF WORLD WAR II CEREMONY

Pearl Harbor, HI – (September 2, 2023) – Today, the Battleship Missouri Memorial celebrated the 78th anniversary of the end of World War II with a commemoration ceremony aboard the Mighty Mo. This historic ship holds significant importance as it was where the war officially came to an end, and the Instrument of Surrender was signed by Imperial Japan in Tokyo Bay on September 2, 1945.

This momentous occasion holds dual significance, marking both the 78th anniversary of World War II's end and the 25th anniversary of the first inaugural ceremony held aboard the Mighty Mo. This historic milestone reflects a quarter-century of dedicated efforts to preserve the ship's history and upholding a tradition that educates and honors the past, ensuring the memory of World War II's lessons and sacrifices endures.

Today's ceremony carried forward this legacy, featuring traditional military elements such as a joint Armed Forces color guard, musical performances by the U.S. Pacific Fleet Band, a rifle salute, the strains of Taps, and a moving rendition of Amazing Grace by the Celtic Pipes and Drums of Hawai‘i honoring all service members who paid the ultimate sacrifice in defense of America’s freedoms.

"Paving the way to peace came with heavy sacrifices. Today we would like to offer our eternal gratitude to all of those service members who fought and died making the freedoms we enjoy today possible," said Roy J. Yee, ceremony emcee and former president of the USS Missouri Memorial Association. "To the courageous soldiers, sailors, marines, airmen, Coast Guard, and merchant marines of America's greatest generation, thank you for serving with distinction and honor."

During World War II, shipyards nationwide played a crucial role in expanding shipbuilding capacity to support the war effort. Women, minorities, and immigrants defied traditional roles, making invaluable contributions to construct warships, which played a pivotal role in turning the tide of the war and shaping the post-war industrial and economic landscape, leaving a lasting impact, and creating a tight-knit community of extraordinary individuals.

The keynote address was provided by featured Rear Admiral Blake L. Converse, Deputy Commander of the U.S. Pacific Fleet. Converse noted, "It is important that we never forget the events of World War II and how as a nation, we emerged stronger, more resilient and more determined than ever to reserve freedom and democracy across the world.” He went on to highlight, "To the citizens of our great nation who served in our factories, shop floors and our shipyards, we thank you as well for your contributions. You drove the most magnificent engine of production the world has ever seen.”

Captain Ethan Fiedel, Operations Officer of the Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard and Intermediate Maintenance Facility served as the distinguished guest speaker and shared words of appreciation, paying tribute to the committed shipyard workers and acknowledging their profound impact on shaping history. “The stories that are often not told are those of the day-to-day heroes who stayed behind. I'm here to pay homage to some of those heroes, so they shall not be forgotten.” He continued, expressing his gratitude, "I want to thank those who came before us and left a legacy for us to build upon. The aloha spirit and accomplishment of our past and present team members make us all say we are proud to work at Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard.”

The ceremony's theme, "Heroes of the Homefront: Celebrating the Shipyard Workers of World War II," served as a powerful reminder of the remarkable contributions and sacrifices made by shipyard workers during World War II. Their dedication and resilience continue to be an enduring source of inspiration for generations to come. The event provided an opportunity for attendees to pay tribute to the heroes of the past, reflect on history's lessons, and honor the values that have shaped our nation.

As the Battleship Missouri Memorial extends its gratitude to all who attended, it remains committed to preserving the legacy of those who served and sacrificed during World War II, ensuring their stories and contributions are cherished and shared with future generations.

Link to Livestream: The Battleship Missouri Memorial livestreamed this event on its YouTube or Facebook page.

Please credit photos to the Battleship Missouri Memorial.

Link to Photos: https://bit.ly/3OYaIFT

Caption: The 78th Anniversary of the End of World War II – Heroes of the Homefront: Celebrating the Shipyard Workers of World War II.

Caption: Roy Yee, Former President, USS Missouri Memorial Association, Inc. served as emcee.

Caption: (Ret.) Rear Admiral Alma Grocki, USS Missouri Memorial Association, Inc. Board of Directors gave the opening address.

Caption: Rear Admiral Blake Converse provided the Keynote Address.

Caption: Captain Ethan Fiedel served as today’s Distinguished Guest Speaker.

Caption: Captain Ethan Fiedel (left) and Rear Admiral Blake Converse (right) at the 78th Anniversary of the End of World War II Ceremony – Heroes of the Homefront: Celebrating the Shipyard Workers of World War II.

Caption: 21 rifle salute provided by Marine Corps Air Station Kaneohe Bay, Marine Corps Base Hawai‘i.

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.

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