Historic USS Missouri marks 70 years since launching
A day of festivities celebrating the 70th anniversary of the launch of America’s last and most famous battleship, the USS Missouri, will be the centrepiece of “Living History Day on Ford Island” on Feb. 1, 2014.
Visitors to the battleship Missouri Memorial on this day will enjoy a variety of historical exhibits and activities. These include displays of military vehicles, memorabilia and weaponry; oral history presentations and even actors portraying famous figures of World War II, such as General Douglas MacArthur and Admiral Chester Nimitz.
The Missouri was launched on Jan. 29, 1944, at the height of combat in World War II. Today, the “Mighty Mo” is berthed at Pier 5 on Ford Island in Pearl Harbor, standing bow-to-bow to the sunken USS Arizona.
The Missouri served as the site where General MacArthur, Admiral Nimitz and the Allied forces accepted Imperial Japan’s surrender to end World War II on Sept. 2, 1945. The “Surrender Deck” is a must-see monument for visitors to the battleship.
The Pacific Aviation Museum Pearl Harbor is also being showcased on Living History Day and will offer guests a series of special events, attractions and presentations to enjoy at its two hangars.
