W. Howard Coop, 32°

Peace is an ongoing process that must engage every generation.

Fleet Admiral Chester W. Nimitz, USN, signs the Instrument of Surrender as United States Representative, aboard the USS Missouri (BB-63) on September 2, 1945. Standing directly behind him are (far left to right): General of the Army Douglas MacArthur; Admiral William F. Halsey, USN, and Rear Admiral Forrest Sherman, USN. Photo: Official U.S. Navy Photograph, National Archives

Fifty-nine years ago, on September 2, 1945, a great rejoicing occurred through- out America and in many countries around the world. That Sunday, prayers for peace were answered and hopes for a more secure future were realized. On that morning, the USS Missouri, a 45,000-ton battleship with 16-inch side armor and nine 16-inch guns, was anchored in Tokyo Bay, the closest point by sea to the heart of the Japanese empire. Gen. Douglas MacArthur, 33°, Commander in Chief of the Allied Forces in the southwest Pacific, was aboard the battleship to receive a delegation of Japanese officials who had come to sign an unconditional surrender with only one proviso, the Emperor of Japan would be allowed to retain his title. With the signing of that document, World War II officially ended, and General MacArthur became the Supreme Commander of the Allied Powers with authority over the occupation of Japan.

While that formal ceremony on the deck of the USS Missouri brought an end to combat and was a just cause for celebration, it did not automatically bring peace, for peace is more than the cessation of hostilities. Peace comes through a process, sometimes long and arduous, in which wrongs have been recognized; reparations, where possible, have been made; forgiveness has been offered and received; and new, positive relationships have been established. Following that som-ber ceremony, this process was duly recognized when, at the climax of his address to the world, Illustrious Bro. MacArthur said: “Basically this [building a new world and securing peace] is a theological matter, a matter between man and God.”

As the 59th anniversary of the end of World War II is observed this year, “hot spots” around the world are poignant reminders that international order with durable peace has not been fully realized. The “matter between man and God,” as General MacArthur called it, is an ongoing process which must engage each generation. This is a mission worthy of every American and Freemason. May we apply ourselves to the task and contribute our part to the victory of peace for all of humankind.

W. Howard Coop Valley of Louisville, Kentucky, is a retired United Methodist Minister and has been a Freemason since 1952. Contacts:111 Dogwood Drive, Lancaster, KY 40444-1034; hkcoop@aol.com; www.hometown.aol.com/hkcoop