History Comes Alive At Battleship Missouri Memorial

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

HISTORY COMES ALIVE AT BATTLESHIP MISSOURI MEMORIAL 

“Living History Day” Celebrates Mighty Mo’s Dual Anniversaries

Pearl Harbor, HI – (Jan. 30, 2016) – The Battleship Missouri Memorial today celebrated “Living History Day,” honoring the anniversaries that launched its service to protect America’s freedom, and its current role paying tribute to America’s Armed Forces. 

Living History Day featured a daylong celebration of festivities and displays onboard the battleship decks and adjoining Pier Foxtrot-5, highlights of which included: 

• Musical performances by the U.S. Navy Pacific Fleet Band, U.S. Marine Force Pacific Band, U.S. Army 25th Infantry Division Tropic Knights Band, Castle High School Jazz Band, and Iolani High School Jazz Band.
• Visits with survivors and witnesses of the Dec. 7, 1941 attack of Pearl Harbor. 
• A reenactment of General Douglas MacArthur addressing visitors touring the famed Surrender Deck where World War II ended on Sept. 2, 1945, with other people in period dress from that era.
• 1940s-era dance performances by the Hawaii Jitterbugs. 
• Special historical exhibits, including military vehicles, paraphernalia and weaponry. 
• Special guided tours of the Missouri’s Captain’s Cabin and Radio Room. 

The annual event commemorated two key anniversaries for America’s last and most famous battleship – the 72nd anniversary of the USS Missouri’s launch into service in 1944 and the 17th anniversary of its opening as the Battleship Missouri Memorial in Pearl Harbor. 

To recognize these anniversaries and in appreciation of the public’s support during the year, admission to the Battleship Missouri Memorial was free for the day with complimentary shuttle service provided from the Pearl Harbor Historic Sites Visitor Center.

Michael Carr, president and CEO of the Battleship Missouri Memorial, said, “We live history every day at the Battleship Missouri Memorial. Today is special because of what these two anniversaries mean both to the Mighty Mo’s legacy and its future. We thank everyone for their support as we continue working to preserve and honor an icon of American military history.”

Battleship Missouri Memorial

Since opening in January 1999, the Battleship Missouri Memorial has attracted more than 6-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. General admission, which includes choice of an optional tour, is $27 per adult and $13 per child (4-12). Military, kamaaina and school group pricing is available. For information or reservations, call (toll-free) 1-877-644-4896 or visit USSMissouri.org.

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Please credit images to the Battleship Missouri Memorial

Link to image: http://imgur.com/rZajlkQ

Caption: Living History Day featured a daylong celebration of festivities and historical displays onboard the battleship decks and adjoining Pier Foxtrot-5.

Link to image: http://imgur.com/NpVCdwZ

Caption: Special historical exhibits, including military vehicles, uniforms, paraphernalia and weaponry were displayed at Living History Day.

Link to image: http://imgur.com/omSs7gq

Caption: Visitors touring the famed Surrender Deck where World War II ended on Sept. 2, 1945 were treated with a reenactment of General Douglas MacArthur.

Link to image: http://imgur.com/JAjWdVZ

Caption: Military vehicles, uniforms, paraphernalia and weaponry were part of the historical exhibits featured at Living History Day. 
 
Media Contacts:

Patrick Dugan
808-741-2712 
Patrick.Dugan@AnthologyGroup.com
 
Jaclyn Hawse
(808) 455-1600 x246
JaclynH@ussmissouri.org