With the surrender of its most important ally Germany, the threat of invasion by Soviet Union troops from the north, and still reeling from the destruction caused by atomic bombs dropped on Hiroshima (August 6, 1945), and Nagasaki (August 9), Japan saw its hope of victory in World War II dwindle. On August 14, 1945, Japan announced its surrender to the Allies. This announcement ended World War II, and sparked celebrations around the world.

On September 2, 1945 aboard the USS Missouri, Japan officially surrendered. At the ceremony, Japanese General Yishijiro presented his sword to US General Douglas MacAuthor.

US President Harry Truman declared September 2, as the official V-J Day. But it is usually observed on the date of its first announcement August 14.

Generally not considered an official holiday, V-J Day is observed as an important historic anniversary in Allied countries including Canada, Great Britain, and France. In the United States, V-J Day is an official state holiday in Rhode Island. In the rest of the US, it is considered a historic anniversary.

Other historic observances associated with Word War II include Pearl Harbor Day, D Day, and V-E Day.

Note: This holiday is one of Calendar Mine's over 500 built-in observances.

See Also

Holiday Catalogue

American (USA) Observances