Every aspect of the Japanese surrender on board the USS Missouri was carefully choreographed, with one eye on the past and another on the future.
The USS Benevolence was one of three hospital ships in Tokyo Bay on September 2, 1945. The ship served as a haven and first stop in rehabilitation for thousands of Allied POWs.
The final liberation of the Philippines at the end of World War II released Filipinos from years of torment—but recognition of their courage and sacrifice was slow in coming.
Severely damaged by Japanese torpedoes at Pearl Harbor, USS West Virginia returned to service in October 1944. When the Japanese surrendered on September 2, 1945, she was in Tokyo Bay, a symbol of the resilience of the United States Navy.
On V-J Day, MacArthur invited two unexpected guests to witness the signing.
The National WWII Museum invites middle and high school educators to join us for an exciting professional development opportunity presented in partnership with the Intrepid Museum.
Head to The Higgins Hotel for a live instrumental showcase of wartime piano music.
Learn about the history of the United States' decision to use nuclear weapons on Japan and how to teach this event through a range of primary and secondary sources in this free virtual teacher workshop.