It is still considered one of the iconic moments in American history. The ceremony ending World War II took place on September 2, 1945 in Tokyo Bay aboard the battleship MISSOURI (BB 63) – chosen as the site of the surrender in part because she was Admiral Halsey’s flagship, and in part because Missouri was President Truman’s home state.
It brought an end to a brutal war, and it was hoped that peace would endure – especially after the world had experienced so much bloodshed, destruction and horror. General MacArthur said at the conclusion of the ceremony, “Let us pray that peace be now restored to the world, and that God will preserve it always.”
Two years later, America was at war again.
But for a moment, the world paused and was able to catch its breath. For a moment, there was peace.
