2nd Sept: V-J Day | Victory over Japan Day
On September 2nd, V-J Day (Victory over Japan Day) recognizes Allied Forces’ victory over Japan during World War II. Officials announced the surrender of Japan to the Allies on August 15, 1945. The official signing of surrender took place on September 2, 1945, officially ending World War II.
As mentioned, there is also the date that the official document of surrender was signed, which was the 2nd of September in 1945. This is when the Second World War was officially ended.
Because of this, V-J Day is celebrated on different dates throughout the world. While the official US commemoration occurs on the 2nd of September. In the United Kingdom, for example, they actually celebrate V-J Day on the 15th of August.
Between 50 to 80 million lives were lost during World War II. These numbers include both military and civilian lives. Fought on every continent except Antarctica, the war consumed entire cities. More than 50 countries took up arms. Even those who maintained isolationist stances held sympathies for one side or another.
Militaries fought on the land and sea and in the air. Civilians often had front row seats to the devastation. When they didn’t, technology brought reports to them more quickly. Radio broadcasts and war correspondents informed the public with first-hand details.