On Saturday, September 2, the Battleship Missouri Memorial extends an invitation to the public for a special ceremony to commemorate the 78th anniversary of the end of World War II. The event will take place aboard the renowned battleship in the historic waters of Pearl Harbor, where the war began for the United States.

During World War II, shipyards nationwide played a critical role in expanding shipbuilding capacity to support the war effort. This led to a significant workforce transformation, with women, minorities, and immigrants breaking traditional roles to construct warships. Their unwavering dedication and invaluable contributions played a pivotal role in changing the course of the war and had a lasting impact on shaping the post-war industrial and economic landscape, showcasing their extraordinary efforts and the strong community they formed during challenging times.

Roy J. Yee, the former president of the USS Missouri Memorial Association and an influential figure in bringing the Mighty Mo to Pearl Harbor as a memorial, will serve as the emcee for this year's ceremony. Rear Admiral Alma Grocki, a distinguished naval officer and first woman from Hawai‘i appointed to the United States Naval Academy, will deliver the opening address.

The 78th commemoration ceremony will feature Rear Admiral Blake Converse as the keynote speaker, along with guest speaker Captain Ethan Fiedel. Rear Admiral Converse is a highly accomplished naval officer with extensive experience in nuclear submarine warfare and notable command assignments, currently serving as the deputy commander of the U.S. Pacific Fleet. He has received prestigious awards, including the Rear Admiral Jack N. Darby award for Inspirational Leadership and Excellence of Command in 2008.

Captain Ethan Fiedel, another accomplished naval officer, has a strong educational background, including degrees from the United States Naval Academy and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. He currently serves as the Production Resources Officer at Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard, overseeing a substantial workforce and ensuring efficient production and maintenance operations.