Take Care of our WWII Veterans Who Took Care of Us

2020 marks the 75th Anniversary of the End of World War II.  The national commemoration, established through legislation under the Department of Defense, helps us remember and honor the courage and service of our WWII veterans, our Greatest Generation. It was on September 2, 1945, that the Instrument of Surrender was signed, ending the war in the Pacific, in a ceremony that took place on the deck of the USS Missouri, moored in Tokyo Bay. The words of General MacArthur gave the world hope, foreshadowing our global commitment to peace and friendship. Now, 75 years later, we will stand on the deck of the USS Missouri moored in Pearl Harbor, with many joining us virtually to honor the peace and global friendship that followed WWII. 

Before COVID-19 arrived on our shores, 60 of our World War II veterans had hoped to make a pilgrimage to Hawaii to align with this anniversary:
-  To stand on the hallowed grounds of Pearl Harbor where they bravely served during the attack 79 years prior
-  To step onto the Battleship Missouri, the same ship 9 of them stood on exactly 75 years prior during the signing of the Instrument of Surrender in Tokyo Bay
-  To witness the historic flyover of 16 World War II aircraft that served overhead during countless battles. America's aviation dominance rose from the ashes of the December 7, 1941 attack on Pearl Harbor, inspiring hope and providing a sense of "you are safe, now" to all soldiers serving on the ground.

While the COVID-19 pandemic precipitated changes in the original plans for the commemoration, the significance of the anniversary remains. Demonstrative of their spirit of determination and true grit, many veterans, regardless of the health peril, felt that this journey to Pearl Harbor could not be delayed.  The Commemoration provided them with a last opportunity to honor their brothers and sisters in arms who bravely stepped forward to protect our freedom. Though many can no longer travel to be with us, we must do all we can to honor their wishes while also protecting their health.

We must honor their wishes. But, we need your help right now.

Today, veteran travel to Hawaii from the mainland will not be possible given safety regulations and quarantine requirements. However, their fellow veterans who live in the state of Hawaii will be on hand to represent them.  With your help, the 75th World War II Commemoration Committee will facilitate virtual participation for all veterans. This effort is unprecedented, creating the largest connection between the men and women who served valiantly, and made great person sacrifices in the name of freedom.

The 75th World War II Commemoration Committee is now faced with the unique challenge of raising over $100,000 to support high quality digital streaming of the September 2 commemoration on the deck of the USS Missouri and the Aerial of Peace historic flyover of 16 World War II aircraft, 14 of which were transported from the mainland to be a part of this effort.  As a committee of nonprofit organizations struggling to keep our doors open as we face the impact of COVID-19, we are challenged more than ever to cover these unanticipated costs to ensure every veteran is able to participate in this once-in-a-lifetime experience, honoring their personal service and sacrifice.

Will you help our remaining World War II veterans fulfill their dreams of “attendance?” Please make a gift to take care of the WWII veterans who took care of us before September 2, 2020. They need your help today.

One hundred percent of funds raised will be used to support the participation of WWII veterans and the digital streaming of the 75th Commemoration of the End of World War II events. Thank you for your support! Learn more about the 75th World War II Commemoration at https://www.75thwwiicommemoration.org/donate.