Truman warned Japan to surrender or face ‘utter destruction.’ When they refused, the atomic bomb was dropped. Some say it saved lives by ending the war quickly. Others call it unnecessary and inhumane. What do YOU think—was dropping the bomb justified? Learn more about the end of the war in "Surrender on the USS Missouri" link in our bio. #wwii #history #wwiifoundation #documentary | The World War II Foundation

The ceremony wasn’t just about signing papers — it was about making history clear. From holding it aboard the USS Missouri (named after President Truman’s home state), to placing General MacArthur front and center, the U.S. designed the moment to show both solemnity and strength. 80 years later, those choices remind us how carefully nations shape the story of war and peace. From our documentary series: Surrender on the USS Missouri. #WWII #History #WWIIHistory #WWII80 #WWIIAnniversary #USS_Misso

The Formal Japanese Surrender took place onboard USS Missouri (BB-63), which was chosen for being named for the President's home state and utilized as Fleet Admiral William F. Halsey's flagship for the last weeks of the war. On September 2, 1945, the battleship flew the American flag that had been flown over the Nation's Capitol on December 7, 1941. On a bulkhead near the ceremony, Commodore Matthew Perry's 1853 flag was displayed from the Treaty of Japan. 🇺🇸🇯🇵 The ceremony lasted half an ho