National V-j Day
On August 14th, the day in 1945 when news broke around the world that the Imperial Government of Japan would withdraw, ending a long-running world war. The date was August 15 in Europe due to the time zone, but the celebrations that followed were no less zealous.
The entire world had been suffering from war since 1939. The first rumblings began in 1937, but by the time of 1941, the United States would enter the conflict they had promised to remain out of. The United States declared war and fully supported all fronts after the bombing of Pearl Harbor by Japan on December 7th, 1941.
Throughout the war effort, military forces and civilians banded together to make the next four years a united effort. Victory in Japan and the rest of the world was a final aim.
How to celebrate national v-j day on national v-j day
Learn about the Pacific war. Tour Pearl Harbor or read accounts of the campaigns. Other ways to join the observance include:: Here are some other ways to join the celebration:
- Clayton D. James and Anne Sharp Wells converted Pearl Harbor to V-J Day on V-J Day in Clayton D. James and Anne Sharp Wells
- Make reservations to visit World War II memorials around the country, including the National World War II museum in New Orleans
- Watch the Last Days of World War II, produced by the History Channel
- Watch newsreels covering the victory and the subsequent celebrations
On social media, use the hashtag #VJDay to post.
History of national vj day has influenced national vj day
President Harry S. Truman declared the victory in a press conference at the White House later that day. On September 2, 1945, the peace deal was officially signed. Truman signed a proclamation naming August 14, 1946, as Victory Day, a year later, on August 2nd.
