Battleship Missouri Memorial

Summary:

The battleship Missouri is best known as the site where World War II officially ended on Sept. 2, 1945. That's when Japan formally surrendered to the Allies in Tokyo Bay. This piece commemorates the high-profile arrival of the historic ship in Hawaii, where it is now a floating memorial in Pearl Harbor. Veterans also share their tales about the "Mighty Mo."

Website:

http://www.ussmissouri.org/

Timely on:

September 02: Great anytime, especially on Sept. 2, when an annual ceremony is held to commemorate the anniversary of the end of World War II.

Tones:

Engaging, NPR NewsMagazine-y, Thoughtful

Language:

English

Description:

On Sept. 2, 1945, World War II officially ended on the deck of the USS Missouri. That's when Japan formally surrendered to the Allied Powers in Tokyo Bay.

This piece includes audio from General Douglas MacArthur's historic speech at the surrender ceremony. It commemorates the high-profile arrival of the "Mighty Mo" in Hawaii, where it is now a floating memorial in Pearl Harbor. Veterans also reflect on what it was like to serve on one of the world's most famous battleships, and the sacrifices made to ensure peace for the future.

Originally broadcast on NPR's "Morning Edition" in 1999.
Winner of the Society of Professional Journalists Hawaii Chapter 1999 Excellence in Journalism Award for Public Service Reporting.
To see photos and a newsreel of the surrender ceremony aboard the Missouri go to:
http://www.ussmissouri.org/Photo_Gallery.aspx
http://www.ussmissouri.org/Video.aspx

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