[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 19 (Wednesday, February 3, 1999)]
[Senate]
[Page S1185]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    BATTLESHIP ``MISSOURI'' MEMORIAL

 Mr. BOND. Mr. President, I rise today because this is a 
special day in our nation's history. On this day in 1944, Harry S. 
Truman, a proud Missourian and U.S. Senator at the time, authorized the 
christening of the U.S.S. Missouri. The Missouri is this country's last 
and most celebrated battleship. Senator Truman's 19-year old daughter, 
Margaret, christened this great battleship and sent the ``Mighty Mo'' 
and her crew on missions for our Armed Forces in World War II, the 
Korean War, and Operations Desert Storm--a time of service spanning 
nearly half a century. Today she begins a new era of service as a 
memorial to educate and remind new generations of Americans about the 
great sacrifices and even greater victories that have occurred during 
her military service. She is a symbol of American triumph and spirit as 
she majestically stands watch over the U.S.S. Arizona memorial in Pearl 
Harbor, Hawaii.
  Today, in this unstable world, we should re-commit ourselves to 
honoring lasting symbols of unity and dedication. The 900-foot 
Battleship Missouri is one such symbol. This era of patriotism, 
sacrifice, bravery, and duty will not be forgotten, and in fact must be 
revered, remembered, and taught to our children and grandchildren.
  For the United States, World War II began with a surprise attack on 
the naval base at Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941. It finally ended on 
the decks of the ``Mighty Mo'' on September 2, 1945. On that day, 
General Douglas MacArthur, Supreme Commander of the Allied Powers, and 
Chester Nimitz, Fleet Admiral of the U.S. Navy, signed the Instrument 
of Surrender on behalf of the Allied Powers and the United States. It 
is a moment that will now forever be immortalized to America and 
citizens of the world.
  Most importantly, we need to remember that the ``Mighty Mo'' would 
not have played such an important role without the brave and true 
service of America's servicemen and their families. These men risked 
their lives at great personal sacrifice, all in the name of our 
country. They are the backbone of the great history of the U.S.S. 
Missouri. Many of these veterans are form the State of Missouri, 
including Seaman John C. Truman, the nephew of our 33rd president.
  Today, January 29, 1999, is yet another significant day in the 
service of the U.S.S. Missouri--for today she opens permanently to the 
public as the Battleship Missouri Memorial. I urge all Missourians and 
all Americans to go see this great ship and experience her glorious 
history firsthand. I thank the U.S. Navy and the U.S.S. Missouri 
Memorial Association for creating such a special memorial for the world 
to enjoy for generations to come.
  Congratulations to all involved for getting this memorial up and 
running. Congratulations to my friend Senator Daniel Inouye, who has 
been personally involved in this project. Finally, congratulations to 
the U.S. Navy, the people of Hawaii, the people of Missouri, and all 
Americans who now have the opportunity to visit and experience a 
crucial part of our great state's heritage.

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