I grew up with a father who served in the Pacific during World War 2. He was hitchhiking to college in December 1941 when the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor. He decided to join the US Marine Corps immediately and told the story of not cheating on the entrance exam at Parris Island. Those who cheated went to the infantry. Fortunately, he was selected to be an aviation mechanic, flying and supporting transports across the Pacific Ocean.
We recently added a wonderful original painting by a local San Diego artist, Paul Strahm. It is of the statue in San Diego (next to the USS Midway), representing the famous Alfred Eisenstaedt photo taken in 1945.
Victory over Japan Day (VJ Day) is famous because it marks the end of World War II, following Japan's surrender to the Allied forces. This event is significant for several reasons:
End of World War II: VJ Day marked the conclusion of World War II, which was one of the most destructive conflicts in human history.
Impact of the Atomic Bombs: The surrender of Japan came shortly after the United States dropped atomic bombs on the Japanese cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki on August 6 and 9, 1945, respectively. These bombings resulted in massive casualties and demonstrated the devastating power of nuclear weapons, which played a crucial role in Japan's decision to surrender (suggest reading Annie Jacobson’s new book, Nuclear War).
Global Celebrations: The announcement of Japan's surrender led to widespread celebrations across Allied nations. In the United States, spontaneous celebrations erupted on August 14, 1945, when President Harry S. Truman announced the surrender. In the United Kingdom, VJ Day was celebrated on August 15, 1945, with national holidays and public festivities.
Iconic Photograph: VJ Day is also remembered for this iconic photograph, "V-J Day in Times Square," showing a sailor kissing a nurse, which became a symbol of the end of the war and the joy it brought.
Overall, VJ Day is a pivotal moment in history, marking the end of a global conflict and the beginning of a new era in international relations.