VIDEO PRESENTATION

September 2, 1945 - Aboard the U.S.S. Missouri anchored in Tokyo Bay, representatives of the Japanese government and the Allied powers gathered to sign an instrument of peace which in effect, formally ended World War II. At that moment, Japan surrendered its sovereignty and became an occupied nation. The formal occupation of Japan would be helmed by U.S. Army General Douglas MacArthur, Supreme Commander for the Allied Powers (SCAP). The American Soldier's call to duty in Japan presented a variety of challenges. There were differences in language and culture that had to be overcome. Of even greater significance was the reality that Japan was a nation so battered by warfare as reflected in widespread destruction, poverty and starvation, that many wondered if it would even survive as a nation. Yet, out of the rubble of war rose a new nation, far removed from a past of oppressive militarization, and empowered with a new vision of democratic ideals.