America’s greatest generation sacrificed everything to defend freedom around the world.
Their heroic legacy deserves to be remembered and honored.
And Pearl Harbor just made one stunning announcement that will give Americans goosebumps.
Pearl Harbor prepares for massive 80th anniversary celebration
The heroes who fought in World War II are slipping away from us with each passing year.
But their sacrifice and courage will never be forgotten by grateful Americans who understand the price of freedom.
Pearl Harbor is preparing to honor these brave men and women in a way that will touch the hearts of every patriotic American.
The Battleship Missouri Memorial and the Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum announced they will host a four-day commemoration of the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II from August 30 through September 2.
The commemoration is being made possible by the Bob & Dolores Hope Foundation.
“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.”
Bob Hope was legendary for his dedication to entertaining American troops overseas during World War II and every conflict that followed.
The entertainment icon put his own life at risk to bring laughter and comfort to soldiers serving far from home.
Now his foundation is ensuring that the legacy of America’s greatest generation lives on.
Standing where history was made
The commemoration will take place at one of the most historically significant locations in American history.
On September 2, 1945, 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, Americans will have the opportunity to honor that historic day by standing on the very same deck where World War II officially ended.
“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.
The USS Missouri veterans who were present for the surrender ceremony will be welcomed as honored guests.
These men witnessed one of the most important moments in world history when Imperial Japan formally surrendered to the Allied forces.
Their presence will make the commemoration even more meaningful for attendees.
Four days of remembrance and celebration
The 80th Commemoration will begin on August 30 with the Commemoration Concert at Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum.
This public tribute to veterans and service members will feature Gary Sinise and The Lt Dan Band.
Sinise has become famous for his dedication to supporting American veterans through his Gary Sinise Foundation.
The commemoration will culminate on September 2 with the official Commemoration Ceremony on the pier adjacent to the Surrender Deck of the Battleship Missouri.
Other public events during the four-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.
Preserving the legacy of American heroes
The Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum is located on Historic Ford Island, where bombs fell during the December 7, 1941 attack on Pearl Harbor.
Visitors can walk the Pearl Harbor battlefield where the attack began, enter the bullet-scarred hangars, and see the control tower and aircraft of the battle.
The museum displays a Japanese Zero and the B-17 Swamp Ghost along with other historic aircraft.
The stories of World War II heroes and their response to the attack that changed our nation and world are preserved for future generations.
Since opening in January 1999, the Battleship Missouri Memorial has attracted more than 10 million visitors from around the world.
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 ends with Japan’s formal surrender.
The USS Missouri had an astounding career over five decades and three wars – World War II, the Korean War, and Desert Storm.
Honoring those who served
The Bob and Dolores Hope Foundation 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.
Bob Hope understood the importance of supporting American troops and keeping their spirits high during the darkest days of war.
His foundation continues that mission by ensuring that the sacrifice of America’s greatest generation is never forgotten.
This commemoration comes at a time when America needs to remember what real heroism looks like.
The men and women who fought in World War II didn’t ask for participation trophies or safe spaces.
They stepped up when their country needed them and saved the world from tyranny.
Their example should inspire every American to appreciate the freedoms we enjoy today.
The 80th anniversary commemoration of the end of World War II will be a powerful reminder of what America can accomplish when we stand united for freedom and justice.
For more information on the full schedule of events and how to participate, Americans can visit ussmissouri.org/endofwwii or www.PearlHarborAviationMuseum.org.