The End of World War II 65th Anniversary Ceremony was attended by more than 30 WWII veterans — including several USS Missouri crewmembers. The memorial was also honored to welcome the return of two past USS Missouri captains, Al Carney and Albert Lee Kaiss, as well as Melinda Chernesky, widow of the late John. J. Chernesky, another past captain. Captain Kaiss holds the distinction of being America’s “last battleship sailor,” as he was last to disembark the Missouri when the ship was decommissioned. Captain Carney has the distinction of being captain of the Missouri for the longest uninterrupted term in the ship’s service history.

Keynote remarks were provided by U.S. Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki, retired four-star Army general, former Army chief of staff and combat veteran. U.S. Sen. Daniel K. Inouye, who received the Medal of Honor for his service in WWII, shared his thoughts and memories of the war. In addition to these stirring remarks, the ceremony included a traditional military rifle salute to all WWII veterans, patriotic music by the U.S. Navy Ceremonial Band and The Sound of Aloha Chorus, and a helicopter flyby courtesy of the HSL-37 Easy Riders.

The memorial wishes to thank everyone who joined us to mark this historic milestone, and those who helped make this event a stirring tribute to our veterans.
Read more about the ceremony in the Honolulu Star-Advertiser

 

September 2010 - News from Our Special Events Department

WWII 65th Anniversary Ceremony

The early bird gets the worm … or in this case, parking on Ford Island.

The Admiral Clarey Bridge to Ford Island will temporarily open to the general public from 6:30 to 7:30 a.m. on Sept. 2 to provide access to “The End of World War II” 65th anniversary ceremony at the Battleship Missouri Memorial. The public is urged to arrive before 7:30 a.m. if they wish to attend the ceremony.

Free and open to the public, the ceremony will run from 8 to 9:30 a.m., with ample parking available on Ford Island. Keynote remarks will be provided by U.S. Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki, a retired four-star Army general, former Army chief of staff and combat veteran. U.S. Sen. Daniel K. Inouye, who received the Congressional Medal of Honor for his service in WWII, will also address attendees, sharing his thoughts and memories of the war.

The ceremony is the centerpiece of a week of commemorative events, providing an opportunity to remember the end of history’s most devastating war in the presence of the USS Arizona Memorial and the Battleship Missouri — symbolic “bookends” of America’s role in WWII. Other events also include the:

• Lessons of War & Peace History Conference, from Aug. 27 to 29, at the Battleship Missouri Memorial;
• Friends and Film on the Fantail Movie Series event, Tuesday, Aug. 31, from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Pacific Beach Hotel;
• Night of American Heroes Celebration Dinner, Friday, Sept. 3, from 5 to 9 p.m., at the Sheraton Waikiki; and
• Mighty Mo Legacy Breakfast to Honor Veterans, Saturday, Sept. 4, from 8 to 10 a.m. at the Pacific Beach Hotel.

Following the Sept. 2 ceremony, the Battleship Missouri Memorial will open to visitor tours from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information, call (808) 455-1600 ext. 222 or visit ussmissouri.org.

 

June 2010 - News from Our Special Events Department

Join Us for the 65th Anniversary of the End of WWII

This summer, the Battleship Missouri Memorial will mark the 65th anniversary of the signing of the formal Instrument of Surrender on Sept. 2 with a free public ceremony in the presence of these two iconic battleships — symbolic “bookends” of America’s role in the war. The ceremony will serve as the official commemoration event of the 65th anniversary of Sept. 2, 1945, when U.S. Gen. Douglas MacArthur and representatives from 10 nations assembled to accept Japan’s formal, unconditional surrender aboard the USS Missouri in Tokyo Bay. Guest speakers will offer remarks in honor of all WWII veterans.

A list of Commemoration Week events follows:

“Lessons of War & Peace” Education Conference
Friday – Sunday, Aug. 27 – 29, 2010
Battleship Missouri Memorial, Pearl Harbor, Hawaii
This conference deals with the lessons of war and peace in remembrance of the end of World War II. As we celebrate the 65th anniversary, important perspectives can be shared not only in relation to the events of the war in the Pacific, but other wars and conflicts in the 20th century and the present. History buffs, students and teachers are welcome to share the important messages of war and ways to strive for peace.   Please RSVP or Purchase Tickets today!

“Friends and Film on the Fantail” Movie Series Comes to Waikiki
Tuesday, August 31st, 2010
Pacific Beach Hotel, Ballroom     Waikiki, Hawaii 
We invite you to join our first "Friends & Film on the Fantail" movie event in Waikiki.   Save the Date for August 31st and RSVP today if you are interested in coming at 808.455.1600 x244.  Please RSVP or Purchase Tickets today!

“The End of World War II” 65th Anniversary Ceremony (free and open to the public with RSVP)
Thursday, Sept. 2, 2010, 8:00 – 9:30 a.m. RSVP by August 6th!
Battleship Missouri Memorial, Pearl Harbor, Hawaii
Commemorate the end of history’s most devastating war where it ended. The Battleship Missouri Memorial, located a mere ship’s length from the USS Arizona Memorial, completes a historical visitor experience that begins with the day of infamy that saw the sinking of USS Arizona in Pearl Harbor and ends with imperial Japan’s unconditional surrender aboard USS Missouri in Tokyo Bay.  For questions or more information please contact us at 65th@ussmissouri.org.

“Night of American Heroes” Celebration Dinner
Friday, Sept. 3, 2010, 5 – 9 p.m.
Sheraton Waikiki, Hawaii
Join the Board of Directors, staff and volunteers of the USS Missouri Memorial Association (UMMA) at the "Night of American Heroes" gala dinner in honoring retired U.S. Army four-star General Eric K. Shinseki, WWII POW William W. Paty, and UMMA founding board member Mr. Edwin L. Carter. Proceeds will benefit the continued preservation of the Mighty Mo and expansion of educational programs. Tickets are $250 a seat and limited. Send your RSVP today!

“Mighty Mo Legacy Breakfast to Honor Veterans”
Saturday, Sept. 4, 2010 8 - 10a.m. at the Pacific Beach Hotel  You are invited to a special breakfast, the closing event of the 65th Commemorative week of activities in honor of the legacy of the Battleship Missouri Memorial and of those who served aboard the Mighty Mo. The brief program will introduce the Mighty Mo Legacy Society and invite guests and their families to learn about in our future plans. Recent gifts from crew veterans will also be recognized. Entrance is $40, Mighty Mo Members is $30, and includes breakfast, program, and annual individual membership.   Please RSVP or Purchase Tickets today!

For special Friends of the Mighty Mo travel arrangements, please visit: http://www.aatpa.com/mightymo

April 2010 - News from Our Special Events Department

The Battleship Missouri Memorial has appointed Stash Springer director of special events, a new position created as the memorial aims to expand its special event operations following the Mighty Mo’s return from drydock last fall.

Born in Belize and raised in New Mexico, Stash is a graduate of Hawaii Pacific University. Prior to joining the memorial, she served as operations director for Intercruises Shoreside and Port Service in Florida, and senior tour coordinator for Atlantis Adventures.

Stash has joined the Battleship Missouri Memorial crew just as we are embarking on the next phase in the ship’s evolution beyond that of a historic attraction. She brings valuable experience in event planning that will help us continue to expand our ability to host special events of all sizes and types, from private corporate events to educational programs. We hope to showcase the Mighty Mo more and more as one of Hawaii’s most unique and unforgettable venues.

One of Stash’s next projects will be planning and coordinating events in commemoration of the 65th anniversary of the end of World War II on Sept. 2, 2010. To mark Imperial Japan’s formal surrender on the USS Missouri’s decks, the memorial is planning a full “Commemoration Week” of activities, including the “Lessons of War and Peace” conference from Aug. 27 to 29, “The End of World War II” public ceremony on Sept. 2, and the “Night of American Heroes” celebration dinner on Sept. 3.

For more information about our special events capabilities, please contact Stash at StashS@ussmissouri.org or (808) 455-1600, ext. 246.
To see upcoming events visit www.mightymomembers.org/events

February 2010 - News from Our Special Events Department

The Battleship Missouri Memorial invites kama‘aina (Hawaii residents) and military personnel to enjoy a free “Mighty Mo Pass” on Saturday, Jan. 30, which will mark the official re-opening of the Missouri to visitors.

The new Mighty Mo Pass includes admission and the choice of the Mighty Mo Tour (a 35-minute guided tour), Guide2Go iPod Tour (an audio-visual tour using the Apple “iPod touch” corresponding to shipboard signage), Acoustiguide Tour (an audio-only tour also corresponding to signage), or the option to tour the battleship at your own pace following a variety of self-guided tour routes.

For an additional $25, individuals may also upgrade to the Battle Stations Tour, a new 90-minute guided tour that focuses on this most important aspect of life at sea for every officer and battleship sailor aboard — battle readiness. This premium tour will provide visitors the most comprehensive tour and features, including many areas of the ship not accessible without a tour guide. Only Battle Stations Tour participants see the inside of Turret No. 1, an engine room, a plotting room and the always-impressive “Broadway” (an internal corridor that extends two-thirds of the length of the ship). Children must be age 10 or older for this tour.

For visitor information or to reserve a tour, call toll-free at 1-877-MIGHTYMO (1-877-644-4896) or visit www.ussmissouri.org.

December 2009 - Fantail to Receive New Special Event Tent

When the Battleship Missouri emerges from drydock, new, custom-designed tenting will be installed over high traffic areas and special event sites, upgrading the ship’s capabilities as a venue. This will include a new special event tent structure on the fantail, one of the most frequently used areas aboard the ship for events.

For more information about our special events capabilities, please contact Stash Springer, director of special events, at StashS@ussmissouri.org or (808) 455-1600, ext. 246.

October 2009 - Planning an Event in 2010?

On Oct. 14, the Battleship Missouri is scheduled to leave her historic spot along Battleship Row to enter Pearl Harbor Drydock 4. The memorial will be closed to visitors for the rest of the year, due to reopen in January 2010. Therefore, there will be no special events planned during that time.

However, our staff is still available to assist event planners with their special events or meetings in 2010 and beyond. For more information and to begin advance planning, please contact Mr. Cris Estrada at (808) 455-1600 ext. 233 or crise@ussmissouri.org.

September 2009 - 64th Anniversary of the End of World War II

On Sept. 2, the Battleship Missouri Memorial held its last official public ceremony prior to drydocking. The free, hour-long ceremony, titled “The End of the War in the Pacific,” featured guest speakers Congressman Neil Abercrombie and retired Lieutenant General Wallace C. Gregson, Jr., U.S. Assistant Secretary of Defense, Asian and Pacific Security Affairs.

The program coincided with the early morning hour in which representatives from 10 nations gathered on the USS Missouri in Tokyo Bay to sign the formal “Instrument of Surrender,” officially ending history’s most devastating war 64 years ago on Sept. 2, 1945.

This year’s ceremony featured the stirring remarks of our guest speakers, as well as patriotic music by the Pacific Fleet Band and Royal Australian Navy Band, and a traditional military rifle salute to those veterans who paid the ultimate sacrifice in defense of freedom.

Thank you to everyone who joined us to mark this historic milestone and those who helped to make the event a fitting tribute to our veterans.

August 2009 - Ceremony Commemorates ‘End of the War in the Pacific’

In honor of all World War II veterans, the Battleship Missouri Memorial will commemorate the 64th anniversary of the signing of Imperial Japan’s formal surrender aboard the USS Missouri (BB-63) with a free, hour-long ceremony, titled “The End of the War in the Pacific.” Guest speakers will include Congressman Neil Abercrombie and retired Lieutenant General Wallace C. Gregson, Jr., U.S. Assistant Secretary of Defense, Asian and Pacific Security Affairs.

The ceremony, to be held on the battleship, will take place Wednesday, Sept. 2, 2009, from 8 to 9 a.m. at the Battleship Missouri Memorial on Ford Island, Pearl Harbor.

The program will coincide with the time of day that representatives from 10 nations signed the formal “Instrument of Surrender,” officially ending history’s most devastating war. The ceremony will feature additional speakers, patriotic music and a traditional military rifle salute to those veterans who paid the ultimate sacrifice in defense of freedom.

Congressman Neil Abercrombie, representative of the first district of Hawaii, is a senior member of the U.S. House of Representatives. He is chairman of the House Armed Services Subcommittee on Air and Land Forces, with critical oversight responsibilities for U.S. Army and Air Force operations, budget, and equipment and weapons systems procurement. Additionally, Congressman Abercrombie serves as a member of the Readiness Subcommittee, which considers issues such as building and maintaining the U.S. military’s state of readiness.

Retired Lieutenant General Wallace “Chip” Gregson was recently sworn in as the Assistant Secretary of Defense, Asian and Pacific Security Affairs on May 13, 2009. A graduate of the United States Naval Academy, General Gregson is a combat veteran of the Vietnam conflict, in which he earned the Bronze Star with Combat “V” device for valor and heroism, and was also awarded the Purple Heart. One of General Gregson’s sons is now serving as a Marine Corps officer.

Free shuttle bus service from the USS Bowfin Submarine Museum and Park will run between 7 and 8 a.m. The shuttle will also provide return transportation following the ceremony. For more information, call (808) 423-2263 and press 7 immediately following the greeting, call toll-free at 1-877-MIGHTYMO (1-877-644-4896), or visit ussmissouri.org.

July 2009 - Battleship Missouri Honors Military Members with Ceremonies

The USS Missouri Memorial Association is dedicated to honoring and safeguarding the rich heritage of the men who served aboard this great ship. We strongly believe it is vital to preserve their legacy for future generations.

One of the ways we are able to do exactly that is through our Military Ceremonies Program. Offered free of charge to service members of any branch, the program allows the Mighty Mo to be a resource for those serving our country today. We provide a historical venue for all types of military ceremonies, including active and reserve units.

Ceremonies take place on a number of different sites on the ship, including the Surrender Deck, under Turret One, the Starboard Halyard, the Chiefs Wardroom and the Fantail.

The type of ceremonies includes reenlistments, promotions, commissioning, change of commands and awards ceremonies. We also facilitate commands taking group photos and raising flags on the ship to present to active and retired service members.

The men and women who have served our country in the past and who are currently serving our country today deserve our utmost gratitude and continued support.

June 2009 - Hawai‘i Military Appreciation Month

On April 30, the 24th Annual Hawai‘i Military Appreciation Month kicked off with an opening ceremony and dinner event at the Battleship Missouri Memorial. The gala was sponsored by Bank of Hawai‘i, The Honolulu Advertiser, BAE Systems, Inc., Hawai‘i Pacific University and The Chamber of Commerce of Hawai‘i.

Hawai‘i Governor Linda Lingle spoke to an audience of more than 800 military personnel and local business leaders. “There is no higher privilege then being able to work with members of the armed forces,” she said. “I appreciate every opportunity I have to express my gratitude to the service men and women on behalf of Hawai‘i.”

Music was provided by the Pacific Fleet Band, Hawai‘i Pacific University International Vocal Ensemble, ‘Iolani & Natalie Ai Kamau‘u, and the Hawai‘i Pacific University Jazz Ensemble throughout the ceremony and reception. The menu featured delicious Pacific Rim cuisine from Downtown @ the HiSAM, Kahala Caterers, Mariposa, Nobu, and Top of Waikiki.

The evening was a huge success and a wonderful celebration to launch Military Appreciation Month.

May 2009 - Spring 2009 “Parade of Bands” Performance Schedule

This spring, high school and college bands and choirs from as far north as British Columbia, Canada, to as far south as Texas have been visiting the Battleship Missouri Memorial as part of our annual Parade of Bands program.

The Battleship Missouri's Parade of Bands originally began as a springtime program in March, which is Music In Our Schools Month, but has grown each year and now includes a second season in the fall.

“Educating our youth about the legacy of the Battleship Missouri has always been an important component of our mission,” said Michael A. Carr, president and chief operating officer of the memorial. “We are delighted to welcome the many bands and choirs from across the United States and other countries to perform in the shadow of America's last battleship, as well as tour her decks where those such as General Douglas MacArthur took part in pivotal, history-changing events.”

Band performances are being conducted throughout March, April and May, with most performances taking place between 11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. The spring 2009 schedule of bands follows:

May 4, 2009

• Clayton Heights High School Band, Surrey, BC, Canada

May 29, 2009

• NIXA High School Band, Nixa, MO

Dates and times are subject to change. For more information or to schedule a performance, call the memorial's Special Programs Department at (808) 455-1600 ext. 247 or e-mail events@ussmissouri.org.

March 2009 - Hawaii's Mightiest Chef Results Are In!

On Jan. 31, the Battleship Missouri Memorial hosted an amazing event to celebrate the 10th anniversary of our grand opening to the public, as well as the 65th anniversary of the legendary battleship’s launch from Brooklyn Navy Yard during World War II. The event gave us an opportunity to thank the kamaaina and military communities who have supported us all these years. The main portion of the event pinned top civilian chefs against the U.S. Navy’s best and brightest culinary specialists for the title of “Hawaii’s Mightiest Chef” at the first Hawaii's Mightiest Chef Cook-Off and Food Festival.

Actor Gary Sinise of “Forrest Gump,” “CSI: New York” and the Lt. Dan Band, helped to present the People’s Choice Award to Kyle Yonashiro of Ruth’s Chris Steak House (Restaurant Row). Also, Congressman Neil Abercrombie helped to present special awards of recognition to outstanding volunteers of the non-profit memorial.

The final complete results of the cook-off are as follows:

• Hawaii’s Mightiest Chef: Chef Roderick Dizor, Sansei Seafood & Sushi Bar for the King Crab Ramen with Asian Truffle Broth and Crispy Shrimp Tempura Hand Roll
• Top Civilian Chef: Chef Roderick Dizor, Sansei Seafood & Sushi Bar for the King Crab Ramen and Asian Truffle Broth and Crispy Shrimp Tempura Hand Roll
• Top Military Chef: Culinary Specialist Second Class (CS2) Nathan Weaver of USS Port Royal (CG-73) for the Southwestern Quiche and Raspberry Mousse
• People’s Choice Award: Chef Kyle Yonashiro for the Seared Ahi presented Prime Rib Style and Grilled Filet Mignon with Lobster Hash

The panel of judges consisted of Connie Kauilani Carr, wife of memorial president Michael Carr; food critic and writer John Heckathorn; U.S. Navy Captain Donald D. Hodge, chief of staff, Navy Region Hawaii; Conrad Nonaka, director of the Culinary Institute of the Pacific at Diamond Head; and Chef Alan Wong.

Guests enjoyed entertainment provided by Royal Hawaiian Band, Beach 5, Hookena, Melveen Leed, Kapono, Hula Halau Ka Ua Kilihune with Kumu Hula Al Makahinu Barcarse. The memorial’s Education Department provided a fun Kid’s Discovery Area for the keiki that came to visit. The event was a huge success and provided an opportunity for many in the local community to finally visit this impressive ship and historic Ford Island.

January 2009 - Top Civilian Chefs battle U.S. Navy's Best

In celebration of the 10th anniversary of the Battleship Missouri Memorial’s grand opening — as well as the 65th anniversary of the legendary battleship’s launch from Brooklyn Navy Yard during World War II — the memorial will present the “Hawaii’s Mightiest Chef” cook-off on Saturday, Jan. 31, 2009, in the shadow of the “Mighty Mo,” herself. All-day admission will be free for kama‘aina (local residents) and military with valid ID.

Local celebrity chefs will pit their most delectable dishes against some of the finest fare prepared by Navy ship and station cooks for bragging rights and prizes in several categories. Top semifinalist prizes will be awarded for best civilian and military participants, with the designation of “Hawaii’s Mightiest Chef” going to the best of show selection. A special panel of judges from private and public sectors will convene to preside over the ceremonies.

The cook-off will be just one highlight of a daylong celebration to commemorate the memorial’s decade milestone:

• 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. — Free admission for all kama‘aina (local residents) and military with valid ID
• 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. — “Hawaii’s Mightiest Chef” cook-off featuring live pierside entertainment and food for purchase, including cook-off entry selections
• 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. — Educational Activities, Exhibits and entertainment under the fantail
• Noon — Main program featuring guest remarks and presentation of volunteer awards
• 2 p.m. — Announcement of cook-off results and presentation of “Hawaii’s Mightiest Chef”

 

December 2008 - MO Music from the Battleship Band Land!

The 2008 Parade of Bands attracted 63 high school and college jazz, choir, orchestra, concert, community and marching bands and dance teams who brought more than 3780 students and 1640 adult visitors to the Battleship Missouri These creative groups treated us with their exceptional performance talent , and learned some of Hawaii’s history through guided or self-tours at the memorial.

Twenty-one band groups traveled from the continental United States, and we were honored with a first-ever international performance as we enjoyed music fromthe Konan HS Brass Ensemble, a jazz band from Kobe,Japan.

Listed below are a few of the groups that performed in the Battleship Missouri Memorial’s 2008 Parade of Bands program:

The Royal Hawaiian Band, Oahu, HI – founded in 1836 by King Kamehameha III and remains one of the last living links to Hawaii’s monarchy
Honolulu Community Concert Band, Oahu, HI – Hawaii’s only Community Concert Band
Lake Highlands Dance Team, Dallas, Texas
Chippewa Valley HS, Michigan
Tremper HS Golden Strings, Kenosha, Wisconsin
Spirit of Arkansas All Star Band, Arkansas
Hickman HSMB, Columbia, Missouri
Peninsula Scout Band, SF & Fremont, CA
Azusa Pacific University, Men’s chorale, Azusa, CA
Lathrop HS Jazz Band, Anchorage, Alaska

Garnet Valley HSB&C, Glenn Mills, Pennsylvania

Konan High School Brass Ensemble, Kobe, Japan

St. Clair HSMB, St. Clair, Missouri

Wyoming HS All State MB, Worland, Wyoming