VJ Day 70th Anniversary

VJ Day 70th Anniversary
This actually happened on Sept. 2.

Today, Aug. 14, 2015 is being called the 70th Anniversary of the end of World War II as that was when Americans heard that Japan, inspired by the atomic bombings of two of its cities, announced it would surrender.

That the war ended without an invasion of the islands spared the lives of millions, mostly Japanese and other Asians, but many young Americans, British, Australians and New Zealanders as well.

It should be noted that the United States commemorates the war’s end — as does China — on Sept. 2 when Emperor Hirohito signed the surrender papers on the USS Missouri but this was the day Japan announced it would quit.

The Brits celebrate it Aug. 15 as that was the date upon which they heard the announcement due to time zone differences.

It should be further noted that the Soviets did not end their assaults on Japanese occupied Manchuria and Korea until Sept. 2.

VJ Day 70th Anniversary

 

4 thoughts on “VJ Day 70th Anniversary”

  1. It should be noted that the United States commemorates the war’s end — as does China — on Sept. 2 when Emperor Hirohito signed the surrender papers on the USS Missouri but this was the day Japan announced it would quit.

    Exactly. I was a little surprised when I got the email notification that you posted this today, because V-J day is September 2.

    Also, the Emperor did not appear on the Missouri and sign the surrender instrument. It was the Foreign Minister and the Chief of the Imperial General Staff who were present and signed.

    And it’s interesting to note, the Japanese still can’t acknowledge the true nature of the day. They call it something like “Memorial for the End of the War”. It’s interesting how as a culture, they cannot come to terms with what they did. I don’t know if that’s worse, or if the perpetual navel-gazing and self-flagellation the Germans indulge in is worse.

  2. It should be noted that the United States commemorates the war’s end — as does China — on Sept. 2 when Emperor Hirohito signed the surrender papers on the USS Missouri but this was the day Japan announced it would quit.

    Exactly. I was a little surprised when I got the email notification that you posted this today, because V-J day is September 2.

    Also, the Emperor did not appear on the Missouri and sign the surrender instrument. It was the Foreign Minister and the Chief of the Imperial General Staff who were present and signed.

    And it’s interesting to note, the Japanese still can’t acknowledge the true nature of the day. They call it something like “Memorial for the End of the War”. It’s interesting how as a culture, they cannot come to terms with what they did. I don’t know if that’s worse, or if the perpetual navel-gazing and self-flagellation the Germans indulge in is worse.

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