75th WWII Commemoration Bookend Events
Washington, D.C. May 6-10,
Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, August 29-September 2
Salute Their Service, Honor Their Hope
From the proclamation of Peace in Europe through the date cementing Peace in the Pacific, the overarching vision recalls these words:
“It is my earnest hope, and indeed the hope of all mankind, that from this solemn occasion a better world shall emerge out of the blood and carnage of the past — a world founded upon faith and understanding, a world dedicated to the dignity of man and the fulfillment of his most cherished wish for freedom, tolerance, and justice.”
Aligning with the sequence of history, and coming full circle, we will honor the 75th anniversary of the end of WWII with two signature events that highlight the 1945 May 8 celebration of the end of fighting in Europe and the 1945 September 2 signing of the instrument of surrender in the very harbor where the war began for our country.
A historic flyover the skies of Washington DC will include over 100 WWII warbird aircraft representing the United States and the British Commonwealth and other key allies, documenting the major battles of the global conflict. Over a period of 5 days, inclusive of the flyover and international ceremony held at the WWII Memorial, education and public programming will honor veterans, inspire youth, and remind the world of the commitments to global peace and friendship that followed WWII.
In Hawaii, the multi-day commemoration will include education and public programs that culminate with representatives of the signing nations gathering on the deck of the Battleship Missouri Memorial on September 2 now moored in Pearl Harbor. The event will be open to the public at no charge.