Pearl Harbor Commemoration of the 80th Anniversary of the End of WWII from Aug. 30-Sept 2 Announced; Made possible by the Bob & Dolores Hope Foundation

News release from Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum, May 29, 2025

HONOLULU, Hawaii, May 29, 2025 -- In a powerful tribute to the heroes of America's Greatest Generation, the Battleship Missouri Memorial and the Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum proudly announce a series of commemoration events honoring the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II from August 30 – September 2. The multi-day commemoration is made possible by the Bob & Dolores Hope Foundation.

WWII Ends on Sept. 2, 1945: Sailors gather to watch the surrender ceremony on USS Missouri (left); Gen. Douglas MacArthur signs the Instrument of Surrender on the USS Missouri (center); U.S. planes over Tokyo Bay (right).

"We are honored to remember the heroes of World War II as we commemorate the 80th anniversary of the end of WWII," said Linda Hope, Chair and CEO of the Bob & Dolores Hope Foundation. "We are proud to announce — on my father Bob Hope's birthday — this tribute to the valor and sacrifice of those who served in our military during World War II, as well as to the everyday Americans on the home front who also sacrificed to help make victory possible."

On September 2, 1945, with the U.S. fleet and air forces standing by, thousands gathered on the deck of the USS Missouri in Tokyo Bay to witness the signing of the Instrument of Surrender that brought World War II to an end. Eighty years later, on September 2, 2025, we will honor that historic day, welcoming USS Missouri veterans who were present for the ceremony that shaped a more peaceful future.

"Nowhere else in the world can you stand on the very deck where World War II officially ended. The Battleship Missouri Memorial offers a powerful, tangible connection to history, one that leaves a lasting impression on all who visit," said Michael Carr, President and CEO of the Battleship Missouri Memorial. "It is our duty and mission to honor the stories held aboard this ship and preserve her place in history."

The Battleship Missouri Memorial and the Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum are joining efforts to commemorate this historic occasion. The 80th Commemoration will begin on August 30th with the Commemoration Concert at Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum, a public tribute to veterans and service members, featuring Gary Sinise and The Lt Dan Band and culminate on September 2nd with the official Commemoration Ceremony on the pier adjacent to the Surrender Deck of the Battleship Missouri. Other public events during the 4-day commemoration include a large-scale RC air show, movie premieres, family activities and the official Commemoration Gala. 

"It is our honor to engage the public in several days of reflection and tribute. From the 1941 Pearl Harbor attack that cast America into WWII, to the solemn event on the Battleship Missouri that ended it, the commemoration experience will remind us of the resilience of our greatest generation and our collective hope for peace," said Janeen Woellhof, Interim Executive Director of Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum, America's WWII aviation battlefield. 

For more information on the full schedule of events and how to participate, please visit ussmissosuri.org/endofwwii or www.PearlHarborAviationMuseum.org.

Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum

Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum is located on Historic Ford Island, where bombs fell during the December 7, 1941 attack on Pearl Harbor. Walk the Pearl Harbor battlefield where the attack began, enter the bullet-scarred hangars, and see the control tower and aircraft of the battle, including a Japanese Zero and the B-17 Swamp Ghost. Hear the stories of World War II heroes and their response to the attack that changed our nation and world. Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum, open daily, is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that depends on membership, volunteers, and donations for support. For more information, call (808) 441-1000 or visit www.PearlHarborAviationMuseum.org.

Battleship Missouri Memorial

Since 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 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. For information or reservations, call (808) 455-1600 or visit USSMissouri.org.

Bob & Dolores Hope Foundation

Bob and Dolores Hope Foundation (BobHope.org) supports organizations that bring "HOPE" to those in need and those who served to protect our nation. The Foundation also supports charitable organizations that preserve and honor the legacy of Bob Hope as an American entertainer, humanitarian, patriot, sportsman and supporter of military personnel and their families.