Source: Linus Gelber / Alert the Medium / Getty
National V-J Day on August 14th commemorates the day in 1945 when news broke around the world the Imperial Government of Japan would surrender ending a long a grueling world war. In Europe, the date was August 15 due to the time zone, but regardless the celebrations that broke out were no less zealous.
Since 1939, the entire world had been enduring the strife of war. The first rumblings began in 1937 but by the end of 1941, the United States would join the war they had vowed remain out of. After the bombing of Pearl Harbor by Japan on December 7th, 1941, the United States declared war and fully supported all fronts.
Throughout the war effort, military personnel and civilians stood together to make the next 4 years a united front. Victory in Japan and the rest of the globe was a final goal.
HOW TO OBSERVE # VJ Day
Learn about the war in the Pacific. Tour Pearl Harbor or read accounts of the efforts. Use #VJ Day to share on social media.
NATIONAL VJ DAY HISTORY
In the United States, President Harry S. Truman announced it in a press conference at the White House later that day. The peace treaty was officially signed on September 2, 1945. A year later on August 2nd, Truman signed a proclamation declaring August 14, 1946, as Victory Day.
