The USS Missouri was launched was launched on this day.  The ship was christened at its launching by Mary Margaret Truman, the daughter of President Harry Truman. It went on to serve as the point of surrender for Japan during World War II.

This post was contributed by Ross Malone. A historian and a retired school teacher, Ross has authored many books about Missouri’s history, weird facts, and folk tales. He has also written children’s historical fiction. Visit his website, and buy his books in the Missouri Life store.