On September 2nd, National V-J Day (Victory over Japan Day) recognizes Allied Forces’ victory over Japan during World War II. Officials announced the surrender of Japan to the Allies on August 15, 1945. The official signing of surrender took place on September 2, 1945, officially ending World War II.
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Between 50 to 80 million lives were lost during World War II. These numbers include both military and civilian lives. Fought on every continent except Antarctica, the war consumed entire cities. More than 50 countries took up arms. Even those who maintained isolationist stances held sympathies for one side or another.
Militaries fought on the land and sea and in the air. Civilians often had front-row seats to the devastation. When they didn’t, technology brought reports to them more quickly. Radio broadcasts and war correspondents informed the public with first-hand details.
For six long years, the world endured rations, victory gardens, evacuations, drills, and an entirely different way of life – an uncertain future.
Six years of sacrifice and horrors preceded this moment. All around the world, celebrations erupted. However, there would be years of reconciliations, discoveries, and coming to terms with the damage done to relations and humanity.
HOW TO OBSERVE NATIONAL V-J DAY
Learn more about World War II, the people who served and sacrificed and how life changed after the war ended. Take time to visit with those who lived through it. Read their memoirs and discover the stories you’ve never heard before. Use #NationalVJDay to post on social media. Share photos of friends and family who served in World War II. Honor those who sacrificed to maintain our freedom.
HISTORY OF V-J DAY
The formal signing of the Japanese Instrument of Surrender took place on board the battleship USS Missouri in Tokyo Bay. At that time, President Truman declared September 2nd to be the official V-J Day. However, over the years, many citizens of the United States celebrated August 14 as V-J Day in conjunction with the European observation on August 15th.