A Time to Heal

pen used for "Arthur" was destined for West Point. The Supreme Commander used three more pens on the document's second copy, earmarking one for the Naval Academy, one for the National Archives, and the last for his wife Jean.

After all the dignitaries had signed, Macarthur closed the portfolio holding the documents and said, "Let us pray that peace be now restored to the world and that God will preserve it always. These proceedings are closed."

As the Japanese bowed and left a low rumble engulfed Tokyo Bay. With exquisite timing 1,500 dark-blue U.S. Navy planes roared in above the massive allied fleet. Way above the single engine navy planes flew 400 silver skinned B-29's in "V" formations. Everyone present remembered what happened at the moment the planes reached Tokyo Bay: the clouds parted and the sun broke through. A time to heal had begun.

Sources: Reminiscences, Douglas MacArthur;Old Soldiers Never Die: The Life of Douglas MacArthur, Geoffry Perret;In Search of History Theodore H. White;LIFE; TIME; The New York Times; Golden Memories of Radio, Longines Symphonette Society (33 1/3 record), record 3 side 10.

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