JAPAN SURRENDERS, END OF WAR! EMPEROR ACCEPTS ALLIED RULE; M’ARTHUR SUPREME COMMANDER (8/15/45)

In this Aug. 15, 1945 photo, people kneel and listen to the radio in Tokyo, as Emperor Hirohito announced on radio that Japan was defeated in the World War II. The original recording of Japan's Emperor Hirohito's war-ending speech has come back to life in digital form. The original sound was released Saturday, Aug. 1, 2015 by the Imperial Household Agency in digital format, ahead of the 70th anniversary of the speech and the war's end. (Kyodo News via AP)

http://news.yahoo.com/photos/aug-15-1945-photo-people-kneel-listen-radio-photo-022956874.html

V-J Day: New Orleanians, after celebrating the end of the war prematurely three times, let loose with everything they had when the official word of peace spread through the streets near dinner time.

She barely remembers the day...

So sweet the love they had. I wonder if it lasted...war was so hard on the ones who participated in it.

I hear ya.

https://anydayguide.com/calendar/1660

Liberation Day in Korea

Liberation Day in Korea One of the few things that North and South Korea have in common is Liberation Day. It is a public holiday that commemorates the liberation of Korea from Japanese colonial rule on August 15, 1945.

Japan established its protectorate over the Korean Empire in 1905 following the victory of Japan in the Russo-Japanese War. Five years later, Japan officially annexed Korea, making it an integral part of the Empire of Japan. On the one hand, Japan brought industrialization and modernization to Korea, on the other hand, the colonial authorities repressed local culture and traditions.

On August 15, 1945, Japan announced its surrender in WWII. Korea became independent and was divided into two occupation zones along the 38th parallel. In 1948, two independent Korean governments were created.

The anniversary of Japan’s surrender is celebrated as a public holiday in both North and South Korea. In South Korea, it is known as Gwangbokjeol (literally “Restoration of Light Day”), while in North Korea it is called Jogukhaebangui nal (“Liberation of Fatherland Day”).

National Liberation Day of Korea is celebrated with official public ceremonies. In South Korea, the government traditionally issues special pardons on the occasion.

http://www.ibiblio.org/pha/policy/1945/1945-08-15a.html

ADDRESS BY KING GEORGE VI ON OPENING OF PARLIAMENT

August 15, 1945

British Speeches of the Day.

MY LORDS AND MEMBERS OF THE HOUSE OF COMMONS:

The surrender of Japan has brought to an end six years of warfare which have caused untold loss and misery to the world. In this hour of deliverance, it is fitting that we should give humble and solemn thanks to God by whose grace we have been brought to final victory. My Armed Forces from every part of My Commonwealth and Empire have fought with steady courage and endurance. To them, as well as to all others who have borne their share in bringing about this great victory and to all our Allies our gratitude is due. We remember especially at this time those who have laid down their lives in the fight for freedom.

It is the firm purpose of My Government to work in the closet co-operation with the Governments of My Dominions and in concert with all peace-loving peoples to attain a world of freedom, peace and social justice so that the sacrifices of the war shall not have been in vain. To this end they are determined to promote throughout the world conditions under which all countries may face with confidence the urgent tasks of reconstruction, and to carry out in this country those policies which have received the approval of My people.

At Berlin My Ministers, in conference with the President of the United States and Premier Stalin, have laid the foundations on which the peoples of Europe, after the long nightmare of war, may restore their shattered lands. I welcome the establishment of the Council of Foreign Ministers which will shortly hold its first meeting in London and will continue the work begun at Berlin in preparation for a final peace settlement.

My Ministers will submit to you the Charter of the United Nations which has now been signed without reservation by the representatives of all the fifty States who took part in the Conference at San Francisco, and which expressed the determination of the United Nations to maintain peace in accordance with justice and respect for human rights and to promote the welfare of all peoples by international co-operation. The devastating new weapon which science has now placed in the hands of humanity should bring home to all the lesson that the nations of the world must abolish recourse to war or perish by mutual destruction.

It has given Me special pleasure to meet the President of the United States on his brief visit to My country after the Conference at Berlin. I have also been glad to express the gratitude of this country to the Supreme Commander of the Allied Expeditionary Force for his inspiring leadership in the campaign for the liberation of Europe.

My Forces in Europe continue to discharge the duties entailed in the occupation of enemy countries and the repatriation of the many thousands of persons who were deported from their homes by the enemy. My Navy, aided by the Navies of My Allies, is clearing the seas of mines so that merchant ships and fishing fleets may once more sail in safety.

In the Far East My Ministers will make it their most immediate concern to ensure that all prisoners in Japanese hands are cared for and returned to their homes with all speed. The bringing of relief to those who have suffered under Japanese tyranny and the disarmament and control of the enemy will continue to impose heavy demands on My forces:

Members of the House of Commons:

You will be asked to make further financial provision, not, happily, for the continuance of the war, but for expenditures on reconstruction and other essential services.

My Lords and Members of the House of Commons

My Government will continue the orderly release of men and women from the Armed Forces on the basis of the plans announced in the autumn of last year and will take every step to secure that these plans are carried out with the greatest speed consistent with our military commitments and fair treatment to serving men and women. The arrangements already in operation for the resettlement in civil life of men and women released from the Forces and from war work, including those who have been disabled during their service, will be continued and, where necessary, expanded.

The continuing shortages in the supply of many necessaries, especially houses, food, clothing and fuel, will call for the same spirit of tolerance and understanding which the nation has displayed during the past six years of war.

It will be the aim of My Ministers to see that the national resources in labor and material are employed with the fullest efficiency in the interests of all and that the standard of living is progressively improved. In the pursuit of this aim the special problems of Scotland and Wales will have the attention of My Ministers.

My Government will take up with energy the tasks of reconverting industry from the purposes of war to those of peace, of expanding our export trade and of securing by suitable control or by an extension of public ownership that our industries and services shall make their maximum contribution to the national well-being. The orderly solution of these difficult problems will require from all My people efforts comparable in intensity and public spirit to those which have brought us victory in war.

In order to promote employment and national development machinery will be set up to provide for the effective planning of investment and a measure will be laid before you to bring the Bank of England under public ownership.

A Bill will also be laid before you to nationalize the coal-mining industry as part of a concerted plan for the co-ordination of the fuel and power industries.

Legislation will be submitted to you to insure that during the period of transition from war to peace there are available such powers as are necessary to secure the right use of our commercial and industrial resources and the distribution at fair prices of essential supplies and services.

An urgent and vital task of My Ministers will be to increase by all practicable means the number of homes available both in town and country. Accordingly they will organize the resources of the building and manufacturing industries in the most effective way to meet the housing and other essential building requirements of the nation. They will also lay before you proposals to deal with the problems of compensation and betterment in relation to town and country planning, to improve the procedure for the acquisition of land for public purposes, and otherwise to promote the best use of land in the national interests.

You will be asked to approve measures to provide a comprehensive scheme of insurance against industrial injuries, to extend and improve the existing scheme of social insurance and to establish a national health service. Legislation will be introduced to repeal the Trade Disputes and Trade Unions Acts.

My Ministers will develop to the fullest possible extent the home production of good food. To this end they will continue, with suitable adaptations, those war-time policies under which food production has been organized and the efficiency of agriculture improved, and will take all necessary steps to promote a healthy fishing industry. The ravages of war have made world food supplies insufficient to meet demands, but My Ministers will do all in their power to provide and distribute food to My peoples at prices which they can afford to pay; and they will keep in being and extend the new food services for the workers and for mothers and children which have been established during the war.

A measure will be laid before you for the reorganization of air transport.

It will be the aim of My Ministers to bring into practical effect at the earliest possible date the educational reforms which have already been approved.

My Government will continue to work in close consultation with the other Members of My Commonwealth on all matters of mutual concern.

In accordance with the promises already made to My Indian peoples, My Government will do their utmost to promote in conjunction with the leaders of Indian opinion, the early realization of full self-government in India.

They will also press on with the development of My Colonial Empire and the welfare of its peoples.

I pray that Almighty God may give His blessing to your counsels.

http://www.ibiblio.org/pha/policy/1945/1945-08-15c.html

GENERALISSIMO CHIANG KAI-SHEK’S VICTORY MESSAGE

August 15, 1945

United Nations Review

Right will triumph over might-this great truth which we never once doubted has been finally vindicated. Our faith in justice through black and hopeless days and eight long years of struggle has today been rewarded. The historical mission of our National Revolution has at last been fulfilled.

For the peace that lies before us we pay grateful tribute, first to the millions of our soldiers and civilians who so bravely sacrificed their lives, to our Allies who fought by our side for freedom and right, and to the Father of our Republic, Dr. Sun Yat-sen, who labored all his lifetime to guide our National Revolution to success. But for him we would not be enjoying this day of victory. Above all, we join in thanksgiving to our righteous and merciful God.

The people of China suffered and sacrificed more each year as our long war of defense went on. But the confidence that we would emerge victorious also grew from day today. Our fellow countrymen in the enemy-occupied areas had to endure a long night of devastation and disgrace. Today they are liberated and can see again the White Sun in the Blue Sky [China’s Flag]. The cheers and rejoicings of our armies and people have their deepest meaning in this new freedom of our long-oppressed compatriots.

We have won the victory. But it is not yet the final victory. The universal power of righteousness has not simply achieved one more triumph. We and the people of all the world fervently hope that this war may be the last war in which civilized nations engage.

If this is really to be the last war in human history then our people will not feel that the indescribable cruelties and humiliations they have endured are too big a price to have paid or that peace for them has been too long delayed.

Even in periods of deepest gloom and despair our people, with a fine inherited loyalty, fortitude, magnanimity and goodwill, held to the conviction that sacrifices made for justice and humanity would surely be followed by rightful compensations.

The greatest compensation has been the mutual trust and confidence between peace-loving peoples of the world born out of our common struggle. With the flesh and blood of their armed youth the United Nations built a long continuous dyke against the tide of aggression. All who took part in the great conflict are now allies, united not simply for temporary advantage, but rather because of a great common faith-noble and enduring-that binds us together. No intrigues can wreck this great union.

It is my sincere belief that all men on earth-wherever they live, in the East or the West, and whatever the color of their skin may be-will some day be linked together in close fellowship like members of one family. World war is indivisible and world peace, too, is indivisible. It has encouraged international understanding and mutual trust which will serve as a powerful barrier against future wars.

I am deeply moved when I think of the teachings of Jesus Christ that we should do unto others as we would have them do unto us and love our enemies. My fellow countrymen know that “Remember not evil against others” and “Do good to all men” have been the highest virtues taught by our own sages. We have always said that the violent militarism of Japan is our enemy, not the people of Japan. Although the armed forces of the enemy have been defeated and must be made to observe strictly all the terms of surrender, yet we should not for a moment think of revenge or heap abuses upon the innocent people of Japan. We can only pity them because they have been so sadly deceived and misled, and hope that they will break away from the wrong-doing and crimes of their nation. Let all our fellow citizens, soldiers and civilians remember this.

The enemy’s imperialistic designs on China have been thoroughly crushed. But relaxation and pride are not rewards of victory that we seek. Peace, when fighting has entirely ceased, will confront us with stupendous and difficult tasks, demanding greater strength and sacrifice than the years of war. At times we may feel that the problems of peace that descend upon us are more trying even than those we met during the war.

I think first of one very serious problem-how to make the peoples misguided by fascist rulers admit their mistakes and defeat, and recognize that our struggle for national independence, democracy and the welfare of all the people is more in harmony with truth and human rights than their struggle for land and power by means of violence and terrorism.

Permanent world peace can be established only upon the basis of democratic freedom and equality and the brotherly co-operation of all nations and races. We must march forward on the great road of democracy and unity and give our collective support to the ideals of lasting peace.

I urge all of our friends of the Allied nations and all my own countrymen to face the fact that the peace we have gained by arms is not necessarily the beginning of permanent peace. Only if our enemies are conquered on the battleground of reason, only if they repent thoroughly of their folly and become lovers of world peace like ourselves, can we hope to satisfy the yearning for peace and achieve the final goal of the great war that has just ended.

http://www.ibiblio.org/pha/policy/1945/1945-08-14e.html

Price of Defeat Is High

By MAMORU SHIGEMITSU, Foreign Minister of Japan

Radio broadcast, Tokyo, Japan, Recorded by the Federal Communications Commission

(Not dated. Assigned date of August 14, 1945.)

Vital Speeches of the Day, Vol. XI, pp. 677.

THE situation confronting us at present is indeed regrettable to us who devoted our efforts to prosecuting the Greater East Asia war. Through the granting of His Majesty’s gracious decision, however, our national policy, which is the foundation of our nation, is safe. Thinking of this, I am moved to tears of gratitude.

Today, when the imperial decision had been granted, the way has become clear. There is need for renewed efforts, without any misconception of loyalty and treason, for the future construction of a new Japan. It goes without saying that it is necessary to change speedily our way of thinking. The price that must be paid for this defeat in battle is very high, but as the consequence of such an all-out war, that cannot be helped.

Decries Over-optimism

We cannot, however, build a future Japan if we are over-optimistic now. We must have the courage to face the present severe situation. Have we Japanese not been over-optimistic in the past in our foreign policy? Can we say there have never been any errors in the prosecution of the war caused by over-optimistic thinking? If we are lax at this time when we are face to face with defeat, it will be impossible to pave our way to a better future.

There is need to investigate thoroughly the conditions of the Potsdam declaration and to understand the terms.

With regard to the high price of the war, I would like to discuss whether or not it was worth the price. I shall not go into details but will consider it only from the diplomatic standpoint. This war has proved that Japan, on the basis of maintaining friendly relations with the nations of the world, can rebuild herself by peaceful, though strenuous, efforts. Racial spirit, respecting each other’s position based on friendship among the Greater East Asia nations, has been established. These have been the great results of the war.

From the establishment of such a spirit and faith in the spirit are born the great efforts to plunge into the future.

Says Potsdam Should Be Guide

From what then, does the reconstruction for the future begin? The first thing is to face the present crisis and launch forth with courage on the path of moral principles. To carry out the terms of the Potsdam declaration manfully and with good grace, is, I believe, the first step toward building the future.

We cannot say that there have been no examples in our history wherein the way for the nation’s future was opened by surmounting troubles both at home and abroad. This is not an identical example, but at the time of the Meiji Restoration, when reverence of the Emperor and expulsion of the barbarians was debated, an imperial decision was granted, whereby through the policy of a foreign nation, Japan’s future was laid open in a day.

Reflecting how in the Meiji Restoration, the people united together under His Imperial Majesty to face the troubles both within and without and made way for Japan’s future by cooperating with foreigners, there is no need to harbor gloomy thoughts over the present situation. If we carry on with perseverance and with clear understanding, Japan’s future is sure to brighten.

The dancing man, Sidney Autralia

Los Angeles Examiner, August 15, 1945

Thanks for your hard work on this. It has been mighty interesting.

A group of teenagers piled on a car in downtown Lexington on Aug. 15, 1945, during Victory over Japan Day or Victory in Japan Day, more commonly known as V-J Day. It marked the end of World War II and the cessation of fighting against Japan. 2015 marks the 70th anniversary of that day.

Victory over Japan Day, or V-J Day as it was commonly known, was celebrated in downtown Lexington on Aug. 14, 1945. The celebration began after the Lexington Leader’s extra edition hit the streets. A woman in the crowd holding the newspaper was kissed by a veteran who had recently returned from Europe. Published in the Lexington Leader on Aug. 15, 1945.

http://www.myrecordjournal.com/news/lifestyle/throwbackthursday/7630942-129/throwback-thursday-looking-back-at-meriden-celebrating-v-j-day-in.html

By Molly Callahan Record-Journal staff

MERIDEN — Seventy years ago this week, hundreds of residents flooded the streets of the city’s downtown in celebration of the Japanese surrender that marked the beginning of the end of World War II.

“I remember people were jumping up and down, everybody was pretty happy,” said Allen Weathers, curator of the Meriden Historical Society. Weathers was 15 on Aug. 14-15, 1945, when news of Japan’s surrender was announced to the world. Though he wasn’t part of the throng of people downtown celebrating victory over Japan, or V-J Day, he remembers it being “quite a commotion. Everyone just kept saying that their loved ones were out of trouble, out of danger.”

Weathers’ assessment that “everyone was pretty happy” might be a bit of an understatement. A Meriden Record article from the next day reads, “Bedlam broke loose in Meriden last night as jubilant crowds welcomed the news of peace with a demonstration unparalleled in the city’s history.

“Automobile horns, hand sirens, cowbells, and rattles were sounding off continuously for many hours, with a mixture of firecrackers, factory whistles, train whistles, and bells and an amplified music machine added to the tumult.”

According to the article, then-President Harry Truman made an announcement of the enemy surrender that reached Meriden at 7:03 p.m. on Aug. 14 and residents responded “instantly.”

“Factory gates swung open, and by 7:15 (p.m.), the streets were filled by employees, going home or getting ready for the celebration,” the article reads.

Any formal attempts to organize a parade were thwarted by the “crush of happy, singing, cheering throngs of people,” described a Morning Record article from the 25th anniversary of the day.

Restaurants and other businesses normally open late closed that night, and celebrations went on until well into the morning the next day while “here and there a shout of joy echoed over the Hanging Hills,” the 1970 article reads.

“Religious groups of all color held special services on Aug. 15, 1945 to “offer thanks over the victory over Japan,” another Meriden Record article from that day reads.

A small announcement ran in the paper that the first peacetime baby in six years had been born at the Meriden Hospital at 9:30 p.m. on Aug. 14. The “victory boy” was born to Mr. and Mrs. Robert Pohl, Jr., of Orchard Street, while Pohl himself was overseas serving in the U.S. Navy.

While the celebrations were long lasting and jubilant on Aug. 14-15, just a few days earlier they were neither.

A Meriden Record article explains that “breathless” radio announcers interrupted their broadcasts at 8:36 p.m. on Aug. 12, 1945 to proclaim that the Japanese had accepted the Allied surrender terms. This sent hundreds to the streets to celebrate in a miniature version of the true announcement.

“Two minutes later, the radio announcers, crestfallen, announced the withdrawal of the first (news) flash, and were awaiting an explanation,” according to the Meriden Record.

While people on the streets of Meriden celebrated when the Japanese military did actually surrender, many residents weren’t home to see it.

John “Jack” O’Neill, the current information and events coordinator for the Meriden Antique Veterans, was aboard the U.S.S Nicholas during his tenure in the U.S. Navy.

The ship O’Neill served on escorted the U.S.S. Missouri to Tokyo Bay the day of the formal Japanese surrender, on Sept. 2, 1945. O’Neill’s ship picked up 87 U.S. and Allied representatives and carried them to the Missouri to be present for the treaty signing.

O’Neill said the U.S.S. Lansdowne — the ship that transported the Japanese party to the surrender ceremony — was docked outboard of the Nicholas, meaning that “the Japanese had to cross our ship as they walked by.”

Asked what he thought seeing the Japanese crew pass by, O’Neill reflected, “I just thought, ‘Well, it’s over.’ I think we probably realized we were a part of history at that moment.

“The whole surrender ceremony only took about 20 minutes,” O’Neill said. “As soon as the documents were signed, there was a flyover over all of us and the Allied aircraft. The sky was black with airplanes. You never saw so many airplanes in your whole life.”

And while his hometown had celebrated weeks earlier, O’Neill said that for the Navy crew it was work as usual.

“There wasn’t really much celebration,” he said. “When you come right down to it, we were so busy getting these guys aboard, we had a lot to do. While the actual ceremony was going on, we were anchored. The radio was going so you could hear the celebration. At that point though, we had been overseas for 21 months, we were kind of anxious to get going and get home.”

http://hansard.millbanksystems.com/commons/1945/aug/15/motion-for-address-to-his-majesty#S5CV0413P0_19450815_HOC_61

MOTION FOR ADDRESS TO HIS MAJESTY
15 August 1945

Mr. Churchill (Woodford)

I rise to second the Motion which the Prime Minister has proposed in such fitting terms. This crowning deliverance from the long and anxious years of danger and carnage should rightly be celebrated by Parliament in accordance with custom and tradition. The King is the embodiment of the national will, and his public acts involve all the might and power, not only of the people of this famous island, but of all the British Commonwealth and Empire. The good cause for which His Majesty has contended, commanded the ardent fidelity of all his subjects, spread over one-fifth of the surface of the habitable globe. That cause has now been carried to complete success. Total war has ended in absolute victory. Once again, the British Commonwealth and Empire emerges safe, undiminished and united from a mortal struggle. Monstrous tyrannies which menaced our life have been beaten to the ground in ruin, and a brighter radiance illumines the Imperial Crown than any which our annals record. The light is brighter, not only because it comes from the fierce but fading glare of military achievement, such as an endless succession of conquerors have known, but because there mingle with it, in mellow splendour, the hopes, joys and blessings of almost all mankind. This is the true glory, and long will it gleam upon our forward path.

Japanese prisoners of war on Guam, with heads bowed after hearing Emperor Hirohito announce Japan's unconditional surrender.

Jubilation: Brisbane celebrates Japan's surrender on VP (Victory in the Pacific) Day on August 15, 1945.