"We are proud to support this tribute to the valor and sacrifice of those who served in our military during World War II" — Linda Hope
USS Missouri crewmembers attending the Commemoration include:
AERM3c Doyle Boothroy , US Navy – Virginia
Y3c Lee Broussard , US Navy – Louisiana
GM2 Edgar "Ed" Buffman, US Navy — Pennsylvania
S1c Judge Davis, US Navy – Tennessee
S1c John DeLeo , US Navy – Rhode Island
EM2c Robert Kennedy , US Navy – New York
S2c Thomas Schoenecker , US Navy – New York
FC2c Robert Somrak , US Navy – Ohio
They will join 17 fellow World War II Veterans at the official Commemoration Ceremony on the pier adjacent to the Surrender Deck of the Battleship Missouri. The ceremony will begin at 9:02 am on September 2 nd , which is 80 years to the minute after World War II ended.
It's the culmination of a four-day Commemoration Celebration at Pearl Harbor that is presented by the Bob & Dolores Hope Foundation from August 30th to September 2nd to honor the Greatest Generation. The Commemoration has already included a series of highly successful events at the Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum and Battleship Missouri Memorial that welcomed more than 15,000 visitors, including a sold-out Commemoration Concert featuring Gary Sinise & the Lt. Dan Band and Mākaha Sons, the Commemoration Gala, two special documentary film screenings and a two-day RC Airshow.
"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, who attended many of the Commemoration activities. "We are proud to support 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."
"Nowhere else in the world can you stand on the very deck where World War II officially ended," said Michael Carr , President and CEO of the Battleship Missouri Memorial. "The Battleship Missouri Memorial offers a powerful, tangible connection to history, one that leaves a lasting impression on all who visit. It is our duty and mission to honor the stories held aboard this ship and preserve her place in history."
"The Commemoration experience has reminded us of the heroism and resilience of our Greatest Generation, our awesome responsibility to protect our precious freedoms, and our collective hope for peace today and in the future," said John Hiltz , CEO of Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum, America's WWII aviation battlefield.
About Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum (PHAM) is more than a museum—it's a place where history, innovation, and inspiration come together. A Smithsonian Affiliate, PHAM has been named one of the nation's top aviation museums by Travel & Leisure Magazine. Located on Historic Ford Island, the site of the December 7, 1941 attack, the Museum stands on America's first World War II aviation battlefield. Visitors can walk through bullet-scarred hangars, see legendary aircraft like the Japanese Zero and B-17 Swamp Ghost , and hear the powerful stories of the heroes who changed the course of history. Beyond preserving the past, (PHAM) is committed to shaping the future. Through youth programs, scholarships, and workforce development initiatives, the Museum educates and empowers the next generation. From signature events like PHAMily Fun Day to hands-on STEM experiences, flight simulators and more, the Museum connects people of all ages with the wonder of flight and the importance of history. A 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, the Museum relies on donations, volunteers, and members to fulfill its mission: to steward America's WWII aviation battlefield and inspire future generations through education and remembrance. Join us, support our work, or plan your visit at PearlHarborAviationMuseum.org
About Battleship Missouri Memorial 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 .
About 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.
SOURCE Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum
