80th Commemoration of the End of World War II
80th Anniversary of the End of World War II
Presented by
Special thanks
On September 2, 1945, aboard the deck of the USS Missouri, anchored in Tokyo Bay, the Second World War officially came to an end. After six years of devastation and global sacrifice, peace returned to a world deeply changed. The signing of the Instrument of Surrender wasn’t just military formality; it was a turning point in history and a promise of a better future.
Now, 80 years later, we invite you to gather at the very places where this story began and ended: Ford Island, Pearl Harbor. At Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum—America’s WWII aviation battlefield—and aboard the USS Missouri, we will honor a moment in time that gave rise to lasting hope and the enduring impact of legacy carried forward.
To commemorate this historic milestone, the Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum and Battleship Missouri Memorial—joined by presenting sponsor the Bob & Dolores Hope Foundation—are proud to host a four-day commemorative event on Ford Island. We are honored to help plan this prestigious commemoration and hope you will join us as we carry forward the legacy of our greatest generation. The full schedule of events is detailed below.
Pre-Register for these free events:
Flight Adventures (Sat & Sun):
Family-friendly aviation activities at Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum
Outdoor Concert (Sat evening):
A live performance with Mākaha sons with Hālau Hula ʻO Nāpunaheleonāpua 4:00PM and Lt. Dan Band 5:00PM
Battleship Missouri Events have separate tickets HERE
Free pre-registration is required for all events. Separate tickets needed for each event.
To drive onto Ford Island during the open gate weekend, you must present either a military ID or your pre-registered event tickets!
Be Part of the Legacy
This unprecedented four-day tribute is made possible through our shared commitment to remembering the past and inspiring the future. Help us ensure that the sacrifices and triumphs of WWII are never forgotten. View Sponsorship Opportunities.
MAHALO TO OUR SPONSORS
Full schedule of events and activities
Pre-registration is required for all events and will open on August 1
SATURDAY, AUGUST 30
Flight Adventures and RC Airshow
10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Liberty Jump Team
Keiki Activities (sunglasses and hats encouraged)
@Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum
Film Premiere & Q&A – “Miles, Morale and Memories: Bob Hope and WWII”
11:00 AM – 1:00 PM
@PHAM
Outdoor Concert (Doors open 3PM, close 5PM)
Mākaha sons with Hālau Hula ʻO Nāpunaheleonāpua – 4:00PM
Gary Sinise and the Lt. Dan Band – 5:00 PM
Standing concert (outside chairs, food & drink prohibited)
@PHAM
SUNDAY, AUGUST 31
Flight Adventures and RC Airshow
10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Liberty Jump Team
Keiki Activities (sunglasses and hats encouraged)
@PHAM
Commemoration Gala
5:30 PM
@BMM
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 1 (Labor Day)
Steel Beach Picnic
12:00 PM – 4:00 PM
@BMM
Event is only for USS Missouri (BB-63) crewmembers
Film Showing
2:00 PM – 4:00 PM
@PHAM
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 2
