When the USS Missouri Memorial Association recognized the 59th
anniversary of the ending of WWII last month, it did more than
honor the site where Japan signed the Instrument of Formal
Surrender on Sept. 2, 1945.
Held on “Mighty Mo’s” fantail at Pearl Harbor, the ceremony also
launched a yearlong commemoration that culminates with the 60th
anniversary ceremony on Sept. 2, 2005. “May Peace Be Now Restored
to the World” is the theme for a full year of special events to be
held at Pearl Harbor in honor of those who served in WWII.
“As our nation approaches this day of remembrance - 60 years
after peace was restored to the world - the USS Missouri Memorial
Association seeks to ensure that humanity will always remember the
courage and sacrifices of those who served,” remarked Don Hess,
president and chief operating officer of the association serving as
the Battleship’s caretaker.
Hess also noted the association’s goal of sharing honor and
pride with “Mighty Mo” visitors.
“For the thousands of Navy sailors who pass through this harbor
every year and see the Battleship Missouri standing watch, it
symbolizes the triumph of freedom over tyranny, and a proud and
just end to the greatest naval war in history,” added Capt. Michael
C. Vitale, Navy Region Hawaii Commander.
WWII ended aboard the USS Missouri on Sept. 2, 1945, when
representatives of 10 nations, including U.S. General Douglas
MacArthur, assembled on her deck in Tokyo Bay, Japan to receive the
surrender documents from Japanese officials. A plaque now marks the
exact location of the surrender, and copies of the original
documents are displayed on the “Surrender Deck” for visitors to
view.
Events being scheduled at Pearl Harbor to commemorate the 60th
anniversary include:
" Nov. 11, 2004 Veterans Day Ceremony
" Dec. 7, 2004 63rd Anniversary of the Attack on Pearl
Harbor
" January 2005 61st Anniversary of the Battleship Missouri’s
Launching, and The History Channel’s Battleship Missouri Project
World Premiere Event
" March 2005 “Parade the Bands” Month-long Procession of
Bands
" May 2005 Military Appreciation Month
" June 2005 61st Anniversary of the Commissioning of the USS
Missouri, and a Joint Mass Military Reenlistment Ceremony
" July 4, 2005 Independence Day
" August 27-28, 2005 National Destroyer Association and Tin Can
Sailors Reunion, “Turn on the Lights” in Pearl Harbor
" Sept. 2, 2005 60th Anniversary of the End of World War II
Commemorative Ceremony
Battleship To Honor U.S. Navy’s Birthday
In celebration of the U.S. Navy’s 229th birthday on Oct. 13, all
active-duty, reserve and retired U.S. Navy personnel will be
offered free admission and 10% off retail purchases at the
Battleship Missouri Memorial throughout October. In addition, their
immediate family members will receive a 50% discount on admission
and 10% off retail purchases.
To take advantage of the offer, qualified visitors must present
their military ID at the Battleship Missouri Memorial ticket
window.
“Our staff and volunteers are privileged to have in our care the
Battleship Missouri, a powerful symbol of the strength and honor of
the U.S. Navy and an icon of America’s perseverance,” Hess
commented. “We are pleased to salute our brave sailors in this
way.”
Regular admission to the “Mighty Mo” is $16 per adult and $8 per
child 4-12.
Military rates are $10 per adult and $5 per child. As part of
the Navy’s birthday special, admission for immediate family members
of Navy personnel with ID cards will be $5 per adult and $2.50 per
child. Guided tours are additional. The USS Missouri Memorial is
open daily from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas
and New Year’s Day.
808-973-2494
www.ussmissouri.org
