Special Exhibit: Surrender & End of WWII

Camp Gordon Johnston WWII Museum in Carrabelle is presenting a special exhibit about the surrenders and war’s end in the Asia-Pacific and Europe-Mediterranean Theaters of Operations.  This exhibit will open Tuesday, September 28 at 11 am and will be on display at the museum until Saturday, October 30, 2021 at 5 pm.  There is no charge for admission but donations are gladly accepted. The museum and exhibit are open every Tuesday through Saturday from 11 am – 5 pm.

On May 7, 1945 Karl Donitz,  a naval admiral, ardent Nazi, and Hitler’s successor, agreed to the unconditional surrender of Nazi Germany’s armed forces to take effect the next day. The document of surrender was signed that day at Reims, in northeastern France by General Alfred Jodl. On May 8, people filled the streets in celebration and this day is known as Victory in Europe Day (V-E Day).

On August 14, 1945, the Japanese surrendered without qualifications to the United States and thus, preparations began for an official surrender and the end of World War II. On September 2, 1945 the formal surrender documents were signed on the decks of the U.S.S. Missouri in Tokyo Bay. This day is celebrated as Victory over Japan Day (V-J Day) in the United States. Come to this special exhibit to learn more about these two surrenders and how World War II ended.

This special exhibit will consist of relevant artifacts like Soviet Army and Italian equipment, Nuremberg trials related documents such as a vintage copy of Hitler’s will, occupation souvenirs from Italy and Japan, photos of post-war Germany, and more.

Camp Gordon Johnston WWII Museum is located in Carrabelle, directly across from Carrabelle Public Beach Park at 1873 Hwy 98 West. For more information, contact Camp Gordon Johnston Museum at (850) 697-8575 or museum@campgordonjohnston.com. Funded in part by the Franklin County Tourist Development Council.