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Aug 1, 2020

Surrender Ceremony

On August 14, 1945, The Japanese accepted the terms of the Potsdam Declaration and agreed to surrender, ending World War II. It is known as V-J Day! Announcing the news to the country in the evening, President Harry S. Truman proclaimed a two-day holiday. Explosive celebrations immediately follow as Americans and their Allies rejoice that World War II is finally over. 

V-J Day was especially momentous—the gruesome and exhausting war was officially over—but the day was also bittersweet for the many Americans whose loved ones would not be returning home. “More than 400,000 Americans gave their lives to secure our nation’s freedom, and in the midst of exultation, there was recognition that the true meaning of the day was best represented by those who were not present to celebrate,” said Robert Citino, PhD, Executive Director of the Institute for the Study of War and Democracy at The National WWII Museum.

Seventy-five years later, WWII Museum’s around the country including the Pearl Harbor Historic Sites, will pay tribute to the historic anniversaries, as well as the myriad servicemembers and Home Front workers who helped preserve freedom and democracy.

The 75th Commemoration of the End of WWII Events 

The year 2020 marks the 75th Commemoration of the End of World War II. America’s involvement in this global conflict began with the December 7, 1941 attack on Pearl Harbor and ended with the signing of the instrument of surrender on the decks of the USS Missouri. The theme for this historic tribute is “Salute Their Service, Honor Their Hope,” providing the foundation for programs and events to pay tribute to the Greatest Generation for restoring peace to the world. 

When: 

The National 75th Commemoration of the End of World will recognize this historic year with events in both Washington, D.C. and Hawaii. 

Join the Remembering the End of War in the Pacific, celebration’s and take part in these events beginning August 29 through September 2, 2020.  Find more information regarding the events, here.  *Please Note: things are subject to change due to matters related to covid19. 

Support:

To support the events, sponsorship opportunities are available, and donations are encouraged by going to the website or calling 877-883-4773.

 

 

 

Starting last month as the new executive director of the Pacific Fleet Submarine Museum, Andrew “Homer” Ring acknowledges the legacy of the USS Bowfin submarine and the brave men and women that she honors.

“As a former Navy submariner being asked to lead this esteemed submarine museum is just an incredible privilege,” said Ring, who takes over for Charles “Chuck” Merkel after serving as museum director for nine years. “We at the museum understand the huge role and responsibility in honoring all submariners for their service and sacrifice.”

 

Ring brings over 28 years of leadership experience from a distinguished career in the U.S. Navy, where he served as a submariner and a senior officer worldwide. Most recently, he was the Chief Staff Officer at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam located next door to the submarine museum, managing more than 4,300 personnel and overseeing $22 billion in infrastructure, as well as a $250 million annual budget.

Throughout his career, Homer led complex operations and large teams, from commanding the fast-attack submarine USS Houston and the submarine tender USS Emory S. Land to managing major construction projects and global undersea surveillance programs. His background also includes work in national security, counterterrorism, and global strategic planning.

A graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy, Homer holds multiple advanced degrees in fields including national security, engineering management, and liberal studies. He was also a Federal Executive Fellow at Harvard University, where he studied Chinese foreign policy.

“I’ve always been fascinated with military history,” he said. “There are so many courageous and powerful stories of our U.S. submariners throughout history that have been told and yet to be told, and we are excited in providing that opportunity to our museum visitors.”

We look forward to the vision, discipline, and innovation that Homer will bring as he leads PFSM into an exciting new chapter. Welcome aboard!

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Meet Our New Executive Director: Andrew “Homer” Ring

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