Delaware’s 800 fallen WWII soldiers to be honored at Fort Miles Sept. 2

The Fort Miles Historical Association will salute the 800 brave men and women born in Delaware who gave the ultimate sacrifice for their country during World War II. A ceremony will take place at 11 a.m., Sunday, Sept. 2, in Cape Henlopen State Park at the foot of the museum’s big gun - the 16-inch gun barrel that was on the turret of the USS Missouri in 1945, where the Japanese Imperial Forces surrendered to Gen. Douglas MacArthur.

Following a recitation of MacArthur’s speech that was given aboard the Missouri Sept. 2, 1945, the names of these men and women will be read at the ceremony. A chime from a vintage military bell will be rung as each name is announced.

The big gun is located at the main entrance to Fort Miles Museum’s Battery 519, which will be open to the public from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. for free self-guided tours, with FMHA docents on hand to provide information regarding the numerous exhibits inside Battery 519. The Battery 519 Gift Shop and the Visiting Artists Gallery will also be open.

Museum-related items and novelties can be purchased in the gift shop, and visitors can purchase prints of works by artists Howard Schroeder and Paul Rendel in the gallery. Original sketches completed in conjunction with the annual Delaware Goes to War open house that took place earlier this year will also be displayed and available for purchase.

Park entrance fees are in effect.