New Artillery Park opens at Fort Miles on 71st anniversary of Word War II

Pride, patriotism, and a little history lesson. That’s what Friday was all about in Lewes, Delaware. 71 years ago to the day petty officer Robert Saupee was helping media aboard the USS Missouri when the Japanese surrendered, ending the War.

Only eighteen at the time, Saupee stood at the top of the ship among members of the media in what he calls the best seat in the house.

He says, “It was something we look right down and saw it all.”

Friday, the 89-year-old veteran was once again mingling with media as the First State opened its new Artillery Park at Fort Miles Museum in Cape Henlopen State Park. The big attraction, ‘Mighty Mo’, is one of nine original sixteen-inch guns mounted on the USS Missouri when the Japanese surrendered.

For Saupee, the passage of time has changed his perspective.

“Today we’re proud of it. We didn’t care then we just wanted to go home.”

But Friday’s unveiling was more than a ceremony, it was a day of appreciation for all veterans who have served.

Small explains, “It’s just so significant and to have this happen on the day that 71 years ago the nation of Japan surrendered aboard the USS Missouri under this barrel it just makes my hair stand up on my arms. I mean it’s one of those kinds of moments so it’s incredible.”

DNREC Secretary David Small hopes the Artillery Park will draw visitors and teach them about Delaware’s rich military history during World War Two, especially at Fort Miles. A history that Senator Tom Carper feels helped us win the war.

“We had 25 hundred people stationed here. We had a number of naval personnel, army personnel, so this was an important part of our victory if you will in World War Two,” says Carper.

An important part of victory now officially a monumental part of Delaware history.