Under the shadow of a USS Missouri 16-inch gun barrel, the Fort Miles Historical Association hosts it annual Victory Over Japan ceremony near the entrance to the association’s museum. RON MACARTHUR PHOTOS Will Short, docent program manager and special events coordinator for the Fort Miles Historical Association, serves as emcee of the ceremony. He paid tribute for the late Gary Wray, who led the FMHA for 17 years and founded the event. FMHA member Larry Boyer reads the statement made by Gen. Douglas MacArthur during the surrender ceremony on the USS Missouri. FMHA docent Ed Paterline provides little-known information about the causes and effects of World War II. Nicholas Schimmel, right, and his brother Christian take turns ringing the ship’s bell in memory of Delawareans who were killed during World War II. The brothers are grandchildren of the late Gary Wray, the first FMHA president, who served for 17 years. Lani Spahr, a U.S. Air Force veterans, plays “Amazing Grace” to end the ceremony at Fort Miles. Tyler Dreiblatt, Fort Miles historical interpreter, stands at attention in a replica of the uniform worn by those stationed at Fort Miles during World War II. He also fired a salute in memory of the state’s fallen heroes during the war. A large crowd gathers on the USS Missouri gun barrel display pad for the annual VJ Day ceremony. Bob Wheatley is one of 10 FMHA members who read the names of Delaware’s fallen heroes from World War II. The crowd attending this year’s ceremony was the largest so far in the event’s history. With the USS Missouri gun barrel in the background, Air Force veteran Lani Spahr plays the bagpipes. Chris Burkhart plays “Taps” outside the entrance to the Fort Miles Museum, which was open for tours following the ceremony. The Rev. Carol Flett offers a closing prayer before the playing of “Amazing Grace.”