Instrument of Surrender
The End of the Second World War
[not transcribed]
The End of the Second World War
After 1364 days, 5 hours and 14 minutes, World War II, Pacific, ended officially at 0904 September 2, 1945 with the signing of this Instrument of Surrender on the battleship USS Missouri, anchored in Tokyo Bay. This is an exact copy of that document, which ended the costliest war in history.
On board to sign and/or observe the signing were representatives of the allied nations. Signing on behalf of the Japanese were Foreign Ministers Mamoru Shigemitsu who signed on behalf of the Emperor of Japan (top right signature) and General Yoshijiro Umezu, who signed on behalf of Imperial General Headquarters (lower top right signature). The ceremony was conducted by General of the Army Douglas MacArthur, Supreme Commander. Signing for the United States was Fleet Admiral Chester W. Nimitz, USN, Commander-in-Chief, Pacific and Pacific Ocean Areas. The signatures below his are as follows: General Hsu Yung-Chang (China), Admiral Sir Bruce Fraser (United Kingdom), Lt. General Derevyanko (Soviet Union), General Sir Thomas Blamey (Australia),
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General MacArthur stated the purpose of the occasion and an expression of hope for the future. "It is my earnest hope - indeed the hope of all mankind - that from this solemn occasion a better world shall emerge out of the blood and carnage of the past, a world founded upon faith and understanding, a world dedicated to the dignity of man and the fulfillment of his most cherished wish for freedom, tolerance, and justice."
Admiral Nimitz, remembering those who gave their lives in the Pacific War, said "They fought together as brothers in arms; they died together and now they sleep side by side. To them we have a solemn obligation - the obligation to insure that their sacrifice will help make this a better and safer world in which to live."
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Patriots & Patriotism • War, World II. A significant historical date for this entry is September 2, 1945.
Location. 38° 28.676′ N, 107° 52.589′ W. Marker is in Montrose, Colorado, in Montrose County. Marker is at the intersection of Townsend Avenue (U.S. 550) and 1st Street, on the left when traveling south on Townsend Avenue. Memorial is on the county courthouse grounds. Touch for map. Marker is
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Veterans Memorial (here, next to this marker); Montrose County Jail (a few steps from this marker); The Gunnison Tunnel (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Preserving Our Heritage (about 500 feet away); a different marker also named Preserving Our Heritage (about 500 feet away); What's in a Name? (about 600 feet away); a different marker also named Preserving Our Heritage (about 600 feet away); a different marker also named Preserving Our Heritage (about 700 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Montrose.
Also see . . . Japanese Instrument of Surrender. (Submitted on November 1, 2020, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.)
Credits. This page was last revised on November 1, 2020. It was originally submitted on November 1, 2020, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania. This page has been viewed 101 times since then and 22 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on November 1, 2020, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.
