Surrender Day Commemoration
This Signature Event is to commemorate the 68th anniversary of the formal conclusion of WWII, when hope for an enduring peace once again seemed possible for the world. Through this ceremony, we aim to inspire, educate and motivate all nationalities and generations on the universal values of duty, honor, strength, resolve, sacrifice and peace.
It is only fitting to commemorate this moment aboard the very ship where the Instrument of Surrender was signed.
The Missouri was and still remains an international icon, an enduring reminder of the unsurpassed courage and sacrifice of all WWII veterans, as well as a symbol of hope. The most destructive and devastating war in the history of the world ended with the stroke of a pen and words of reconciliation and hope, and as MacArthur spoke at the Surrender, it was a hope shared by all mankind:
“…It is my earnest hope and indeed the hope of all mankind that from this solemn occasion a better world shall emerge out of the blood and carnage of the past – a world founded upon faith and understanding – a world dedicated to the dignity of man and the fulfillment of his most cherished wish – for freedom, tolerance and justice….”
As Japanese delegate Toshikazu Kase expressed in his book Journey to Missouri:
“…The day will come when recorded time, age upon age, will seem but a point in retrospect. However, happen what may in the future, this day on the Missouri will stand out as a bright point that marks a tireless march toward an enduring peace. ..”
Each year, this ceremony reminds us of the cost of war and the courage it takes to hope, to have faith, to believe that there remains goodness in humanity even during the darkest of times, and to maintain that hope eternal in the face of continued threat of war and destruction. As it was expressed so eloquently on the day of the surrender, we must remember and learn from our past, and to educate and inspire current and future generations with the lessons of war and peace.
As with past years, this year’s ceremony will have a specific topic of focus. The speakers collectively will highlight Fleet Admiral Chester W. Nimitz as a great Naval leader and peacemaker – one to whom future generations can aspire. Immediately following the ceremony, there will be an unveiling and dedication of a statue of Fleet Admiral Chester W. Nimitz on the pier.
Details on this year's ceremony are as follows:
Monday, September 2, 2013
9 a.m.
Pier side, Battleship Missouri, Pearl Harbor, Hawaii
Free and open to the public
Please join us immediately following the ceremony for the dedication and unveiling of a statue of Fleet Admiral Chester W. Nimitz.
Invitations to the ceremony will be mailed out in August. If you are interested in receiving an invitation by email, please email us at RSVP@ussmissouri.org and we will make sure you receive an invitation to this year's ceremony. An RSVP link will be added to this page in August.
Check out the images of last year's 67th commemoration.