Posted on 08/15/2020 3:07:38 AM PDT by RandFan
Victory in Japan Day - or VJ Day - was celebrated on 15 August 1945 and it marked the end of World War Two.
As the name would suggest, 15 August 1945 was the moment that the Allies - that is Britain, the US and other countries that were fighting together - marked victory over Japan.
After days of rumours about it, US President Harry S Truman broke the news at a press conference at the White House at 7pm on 14 August. Later at midnight, Britain's new prime minister Clement Atlee confirmed it, saying: "The last of our enemies is laid low."
The following day, Japan's Emperor Hirohito was heard on the radio for the first time ever when he announced the surrender.
That meant 15 August 1945 was officially named as Victory in Japan day and World War Two war was finally over.
(Excerpt) Read more at bbc.com ...
Only celebrated in Rhode Island.
“ Only celebrated in Rhode Island.”
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Interesting. I’m 75 years old and remember when I was a youngster both VE and VJ days were celebrated. Somewhere along the way these holidays dropped off the calendar. Can’t remember when though.
Japan paid the price. But luckily for them, we destroyed the enemy within their own country and America laid a path for Japan’s strong recovery and the rich prosperity they enjoy today.
When I lived in Japan (Navy, Sasebo) I had a Japanese friend who was very conversant in English. And he was joker and we had some good conversations.
He told me one time, “If you’re going to be beaten, it’s best to be beaten by the Americans.”
I knew an old guy from Germany that was a paratroopers in WWII. ( Yes, the Wehrmacht had paratroopers too ) The last year of the war the paratroopers were shuttled by train between the eastern and western front as needed. When they were on the eastern front they fought the Red Army like brave savages. On the Western front the put up mild resistance. You can see the dynamic there.
There are two audio clips in the third paragraph.
Both are worth a listen.
This is some of the best wartime audio I’ve ever heard.
I was in Japan about 10 years ago, actually Hiroshima for this day’s celebration. It was an amazing day for an American. Little children came up to us and gave us the peace sign and said, “Peace”, with smiles on their faces. We saved them from the enemy within that was cruel as well as the Koreans who were horrible and did what their evil minds thought hurting beyond belief. Americans by far were there to save them from evil and not hurt them so they were able to have peace.
My aunt and uncle were missionaries for years there and loved the people. Many of the Japanese we know are second and third generation Christians.
A German colleague of mine told me his dad dug a foxhole, covered it with sticks and leaves, and waited 3 days for the American front to arrive. The SS shot anyone who came back to the German lines.
During German business meetings in the 1980’s we would have to stop talking when a US jet would fly over at low altitude. The Germans said it was either that or Russian planes. They preferred US planes.
” He told me one time, “If you’re going to be beaten, it’s best to be beaten by the Americans . “
My Japanese father in-law , who fought in WW2 , pretty much said the same thing to me years ago . He contracted malaria in Malaysia in WW2 and the Americans not only saved his life but eventually sent him back to Japan . It was the main reason he gave us our blessing when we decided to get married in 1987 in Tokyo .
I was in London for the 50th anniversary of VE day. It was a big deal then but maybe the last big commemoration. 75 years on and the vast majority of people are now post war born. Younger people not being taught much history have little or no idea of the central historical event of the 20th century. We and they have covid to worry about now for better or worse. It is their big event so far this 21st century. Even 9/11 is fading somewhat.
Toms Hanks accused America of being racist against the Japanese in WW2.
I think you have to re-word that so it doesn't sound like Japan was under attack from the evil Koreans. :)
Very interesting personal experience, YouGoTexasGirl.
My Dad fought aboard an LST at the Battle of Okinawa and Battle of Normandy.
But like a good American, he held no grudges. He accepted and grew to love my wife, who is Japanese and from Sasebo (Nagasaki prefecture). Indeed, the American Navy now uses the exact same ammunition buildings and caves in Sasebo that the Japanese used. And of course, the Japanese nationals, are the ones who maintain that facility under U.S. supervision.
I had nothing but great experiences in Japan, partly because they are very cordial to foreigners. But more than that, they are an industrious people like we Americans who love our sports, liquor, and camaraderie.
I understand that 5% of Japanese are Christian and that Nagasaki and Hiroshima prefectures are the most populated states of Christians there.
I haven’t been back to Japan for a very long time, but I am connected by TVJapan, and I’m blessed by my wife, one of Japan’s finest. She, on the hand, is constantly reminding me how she was fooled by how handsome I looked in the uniform back in the day :- )
I’m 87 and actually remember both days.
Very interesting, sushiman.
Basic human dignity. I’m sure in the heat of battle, Americans became animals at times, too.
But this is a heart warming story. Your father-in-law must have been on in his years back in 1987.
I was married on Cape Cod in 1983 to my Japanese wife. Then, on return to Sasebo we held a full-blown reception, she wearing her wedding gown and I in my Navy uniform at the Navy base’s All-Hands Club.
At the end of the wedding party, the 100 or so wedding attendees gave us the traditional Bansai send-off cheer which means “May you live 1,000 years”. And I remember one older Japanese gentleman with a smile on his face also raised for us the only arm he still had.
A fair amount of this was known to most of us but it’s good to to see it all at one source. Puts the invade instead of bomb crowd in their place. Spells out how big the Kamikaze threat for an invasion of Japan would have been;
“Operation Downfall: The Allies Secret Plan To Invade Japan.”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VZfObRnZiw0
Narrated by Charlton Heston, 51 minutes.
“ I’m 87 and actually remember both days.”
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Wow! Impressive! Hang in there young fella!
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