The Battleship Missouri Memorial Marks Historic Milestone with 10-Millionth Visitor Arrival
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THE BATTLESHIP MISSOURI MEMORIAL MARKS HISTORIC MILESTONE WITH 10-MILLIONTH VISITOR ARRIVAL
Pearl Harbor, HI – (September 28, 2023) – The Battleship Missouri Memorial made history today as it celebrated the arrival of its 10-millionth visitor in a spectacular event that left a lasting impression on all who attended. This monumental milestone comes 25 years since the Mighty Mo's glorious return to Pearl Harbor, reaffirming its enduring legacy and profound historical significance.
The day began with a patriotic welcome as the acclaimed U.S. Pacific Fleet Band greeted the lucky 10-millionth visitor upon their arrival to the historic Battleship Missouri Memorial. The atmosphere was electric as visitors and the Battleship Missouri Memorial team gathered to witness this historic milestone.
"The Battleship Missouri Memorial has always held a special place in the hearts of our visitors. It represents not only a remarkable chapter in our nation's history but also a symbol of resilience and unity," said Mike Carr, president & CEO of the USS Missouri Memorial Association. "Welcoming our 10-millionth visitor is a joyous occasion that reminds us of the enduring spirit of the Mighty Mo and how it continues to inspire new generations to appreciate the sacrifices made in the name of freedom."
The 10-millionth visitor, Aurora Brock from The Hague, Netherlands, enjoyed an exclusive behind-the-scenes exploration of the battleship's inner workings, providing an intimate glimpse into the heroic past of this legendary vessel. Additionally, the VIP tour included a festive lunch served onboard in the historic Captain's Cabin – where history has truly come to life over the years – hosting past presidents, world leaders, and military dignitaries throughout its storied history.
The adventure continued with a private Blue Hawaiian Helicopter and Activities helicopter tour over the majestic waters of Pearl Harbor, providing a breathtaking perspective and aerial view of the site where the course of history was altered forever. This immersive experience left a deep and lasting impression on our esteemed guest.
As if the day couldn't get any more extraordinary, the Battleship Missouri Memorial presented the 10-millionth visitor with an exclusive gift package to cherish for a lifetime. This bundle included a lifetime family membership, an exquisitely engraved 10-millionth visitor teak plaque commemorating the date, a coveted Battleshop gift package filled with memorabilia, the American flag that was raised during their visit, and a custom photo package courtesy of Photogenics capturing every cherished moment of this once-in-a-lifetime experience.
"We arrived yesterday and the battleship was one of the things that I really wanted to visit because it is such a big part of history," said Aurora Brock, the Battleship Missouri Memorial's 10-millionth visitor. “It was amazing and really beautiful to see it from this prospective. There's a lot more to experience at the Battleship Missouri than just the standard. There's a lot more nuance and variation, and a lot of details that goes into everything.”
The experience of the 10-millionth visitor, a delightful young couple from the Netherlands, was nothing short of a testament to the enduring global significance of the Battleship Missouri Memorial. Their presence on the iconic vessel symbolized the special bond between the United States and the Netherlands, which was forged during World War II. Their journey from across the world highlighted how the Mighty Mo still serves as a unifying symbol, fostering international connections and reminding us to cherish the freedoms we value.
The 10-millionth visitor celebration beautifully underscored the enduring allure and profound importance of the Battleship Missouri Memorial. It stands as a powerful reminder that history lives on through the shared experiences, and the Mighty Mo remains a timeless source of inspiration and unity for all privileged to step aboard.
Battleship Missouri MemorialSince 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.
For information or reservations visit USSMissouri.org.
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Media Contacts:Danielle Soliven (808) 539-3430 Danielle.Soliven@Finnpartners.com
Jaclyn Hawse (808) 455-1600 ext. 246JaclynH@ussmissouri.org