National V-J Day
Pay tribute to the men and women who lost their lives in WW2 on V-J Day and have food and drink with loved ones to remember the end of this terrible conflict.
Following the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, Emperor Hirohito announced Japan’s acceptance to the Potsdam Declaration and surrendered on 15th August 1945, effectively marking the end of World War II.
However, the official surrender ceremony did not occur until over two weeks later, and thus President Truman marked 2nd September as the official V-J Day.
How to Celebrate V-J Day
There are a lot of different ways that you can celebrate V-J Day. A lot of people have street parties and celebrate with their neighbors and their friends and families.
It is an opportunity to be patriotic and show your love for the country you were born in. People like to hang up posters and bunt with their national flags, as well as enjoy traditional food and alcohol. What better excuse to have a party?
Of course, we cannot mention V-J Day without paying tribute to all of the men and women who lost their lives during World War Two.
On this day, many different memorials and marks of honor are held around the world. Honor them and their families by researching these people as individuals and taking some time to think about them.
Celebrating VJ Day offers a poignant way to honor the end of World War II and remember those who served. Here are a few suggestions on how to mark this significant day:
Visit Military Cemeteries
Pay your respects to fallen soldiers by visiting military cemeteries. Taking a moment for reflection or prayer at the graves of those who served in World War II is a meaningful tribute.
Educate Yourself and Others
Delve into the history leading up to World War II and the events of VJ Day. Reading books, watching documentaries, or exploring online archives like the Imperial War Museum can provide valuable insights.
Speak with Veterans
If possible, talking to World War II veterans can offer personal perspectives on the war. Their stories are a living history, connecting uniquely to the past.
Participate in or Watch Commemorative Events
Many communities host events or parades to commemorate VJ Day. Attending these or tuning into televised ceremonies can be a way to join in the collective remembrance.
Get Creative
Engage in activities like baking, crafting, or even making bunting for a garden party. These can be fun, educational activities for all ages, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of the day’s significance.
Host a Themed Movie Night
Watch movies or documentaries focusing on World War II. This can be both educational and a way to reflect on the sacrifices made during the war.
Support Veterans’ Organizations
Many charities and organizations support veterans and their families. Donating or volunteering your time can significantly impact and is a wonderful way to honor the spirit of VJ Day.
Learn About V-J Day
It is estimated that anywhere from 60 to 80 million people died during World War II, on all sides of the conflict. V-J Day should be seen as not only the celebration of the defeat of the tyrannical Japanese government of the time, but also the remembrance of those who lost their lives.
There are a number of different ways that people refer to V-J Day. This includes V-P Day, Victory in the Pacific Day, and Victory over Japan Day. No matter how people refer to this day, what matters is that it is the day on which Imperial Japan surrendered in the Second World War, marking the end of the war.
Interestingly, there are really three different dates that can be considered the date of surrender. The first is the 15th of August in 1945, which is when the announcement of Japan’s surrender was made.
However, in some parts of the world, including the United States, this was actually the 14th of August in 1945 because of the time differences.
As mentioned, there is also the date that the official document of surrender was signed, which was the 2nd of September in 1945. This is when the Second World War was officially ended.
Because of this, V-J Day is celebrated on different dates throughout the world. While the official US commemoration occurs on the 2nd of September. In the United Kingdom, for example, they actually celebrate V-J Day on the 15th of August.
History of V-J Day
In order to understand the history of V-J Day, we need to delve deeper into the history of the war and the events that happened in the build-up to this date.
On both the 6th and the 9th of August, in 1945, the United States dropped atomic bombs on both Nagasaki and Hiroshima.
The Soviet Union also declared war on Japan on the 9th of August as well. A day later, on the 10th of August, the government in Japan communicated that it intended to surrender under the Potsdam Declaration terms.
Celebrations around the world started early when they heard that Japan intended to surrender. In Paris, Frenchmen and Americans paraded and sang “Don’t Fence Me In” on Champs-Élysées. On the streets of London, on Regent Street, allied soldiers danced in a conga line.
It was six days later, on the 15th of August, a little bit after noon Japan Standard Time, that it was announced that Japan had accepted the Potsdam Declaration. Emperor Hirohito made the announcement over the radio to the people of Japan. Once the declaration had been signed, the celebrations across the world really ramped up.
In fact, in Life Magazine, they reported the following about Americans celebrating:
It was “as if joy had been rationed and saved up for the three years, eight months and seven days since Sunday, Dec. 7, 1941”
There were a number of different terms that were included within the declaration. This included the following:
“We do not intend that the Japanese shall be enslaved as a race or destroyed as a nation, but stern justice shall be meted out to all war criminals, including those who have visited cruelties upon our prisoners.”
“The Japanese military forces, after being completely disarmed, shall be permitted to return to their homes with the opportunity to lead peaceful and productive lives.”
“Japanese sovereignty shall be limited to the islands of Honshu, Hokkaido, Kyushu, Shikoku, and such minor islands as we determine.”
Why not take a look at the Potsdam Declaration in full to learn more about V-J Day?
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