In the background of the ceremony on the USS Missouri, on Sept. 2, 1945, hung a small, modest flag with big, historical significance. The flag hanging there in the ceremony was the same flag that Commodore Perry took to Japan 92 years before.

As General MacArthur explained in his speech, “We stand in Tokyo today, reminiscent of our countryman, Commodore Perry, 92 years ago. His purpose was to bring to Japan an era of enlightenment and progress by lifting the veil of isolation to the friendship, trade, and commerce of the world. But alas, the knowledge thereby gained of Western science was forged into an instrument of oppression and human enslavement.”

Through the centuries, this small artifact has represented the ties between the United States and Japan, in peace and in war, and something worth remembering on this solemn day.

Before making the journey to the USS Missouri, the flag was sewn to a backing material to protect the aged, fragile material. Once the flag arrived, it was mounted and framed in a prominent place during the ceremony. For this reason, the flag was actually hung backward. You’ll see this same flag on the OSF logo and may notice that there are 31 stars, the extra star being tucked into the first column.

MacArthur signed the Instrument of Surrender treaty with a 1928 Parker Duofold Fountain Pen and then announced, “Let us pray that peace be now restored to the world, and that God will preserve it always.”

The news spread across the world. World War II was officially over. Dream Flights, though its barnstorming effort Operation September Freedom, celebrates this momentous occasion and offers gratitude to the WWII heroes who made it possible.