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Celebrate VJ Day on September 2, a day that marks the end of World War II. On this day in 1945, Japan officially surrendered to Allied forces and marked the end of one of history's deadliest wars. Victory over Japan (VJ) Day is an important reminder of how far we have come as a society since then and serves as an opportunity for us to reflect on our shared history.
<div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1941</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>America Joins WWII</div><div class='timeline-text'>Following the attack on Pearl Harbor in December 1941, the United States officially enters World War II.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1942</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Turning Point in the Pacific War</div><div class='timeline-text'>The Battle of Midway in June 1942 becomes a key turning point in the Pacific War, with the US Navy inflicting a decisive defeat on the Japanese Navy.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1943</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Pacific Island Hopping Begins</div><div class='timeline-text'>The United States and its allies begin an "island hopping" campaign to retake strategic Pacific islands controlled by Japanese forces.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1945</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Atomic Bombs Dropped on Japan</div><div class='timeline-text'>In August 1945, the United States drops two atomic bombs on the cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, leading to Japan's eventual surrender.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1945</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Japan Surrenders</div><div class='timeline-text'>On August 15, 1945 (announced on August 14 in the United States due to time zone differences), Japan accepts the allies' terms of unconditional surrender marking the end of World War II.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1945</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>First VJ Day Celebrated</div><div class='timeline-text'>The first VJ Day is celebrated on September 2, 1945, after Japan formally signed the instrument of surrender on board the USS Missouri, marking the official end of World War II.</div></div></div>
<div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Watch a documentary</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Look for a documentary about VJ Day, such as the National Geographic special Victory in the Pacific. This will provide an informative overview of the day and its historical importance.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Visit a museum</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Visit a local museum to learn more about VJ Day and its significance in World War II history. Many museums feature exhibits dedicated to this historic event.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Attend a reenactment</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Many cities host reenactments of VJ Day, which include military parades, air shows, and other events that pay tribute to those who served on that day.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Hold a remembrance ceremony</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Hold a remembrance ceremony with friends and family to honor those who fought on VJ Day. You can also light candles or perform other traditional observances.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Organize a fundraiser</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Organize a fundraiser to benefit veterans’ organizations or programs that help World War II veterans and their families. This is an excellent way to show your appreciation for the sacrifices they made.</p></div></div>
<div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>A</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>VJ Day marks the end of World War II</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>VJ day is an annual celebration in the United States that marks Victory over Japan and the end of World War II. It celebrates a momentous event in history, when Allied forces defeated Japan and secured lasting peace in the Pacific theater.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>B</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>VJ Day commemorates the sacrifice of veterans</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>VJ day provides an opportunity to thank and commemorate all the brave soldiers who served during World War II and made tremendous sacrifices to ensure peace and freedom in the world.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>C</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>VJ Day is a reminder of our shared humanity</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>VJ Day serves as a reminder that despite our differences, we are all bound together by a common humanity. As we celebrate this historic victory and remember those who gave so much for our safety, it's important to recognize that peace can only be achieved through compassion, understanding and cooperation among nations.</p></div></div>
<div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>1</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>The Term "Victory over Japan Day" Varies Across the World</h3><p class='facts-content'>While the United States recognizes VJ Day on September 2, in the UK and some other countries, VJ Day is commemorated on August 15 - the date of Emperor Hirohito's radio broadcast announcing Japan's surrender.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>2</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>VJ Day Marked the Start of a New Era</h3><p class='facts-content'>With Japan's surrender, WWII came to an end. The post-war period led to significant changes globally, including the emergence of the United States and Soviet Union as Superpowers and the beginning of the Cold War.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>3</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>A Peaceful Gesture was Part of the signing Ceremony</h3><p class='facts-content'>General MacArthur invited General Yoshijiro Umezu of Japan to share his own pen to sign the Japanese Instrument of Surrender, symbolizing unity and marking the beginning of the road to peaceful coexistence.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>4</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>More than 30 Countries Took Part in the War Against Japan </h3><p class='facts-content'>While the US, UK, USSR, China, and Australia were major contributors, many other nations played significant roles throughout the course of the Pacific War.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>5</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>The Surrender Ceremony Lasted a Total of 23 Minutes</h3><p class='facts-content'>Held on board the USS Missouri in Tokyo Bay, the formal Japanese surrender took place on September 2, 1945, in a ceremony that lasted just 23 minutes - marking the official end of World War II.</p></div></div>
VJ Day is celebrated on September 2 every year. In 2024 VJ Day will occur on a Monday.
2023
Sep 2
Saturday
2024
Sep 2
Monday
2025
Sep 2
Tuesday
2026
Sep 2
Wednesday
2027
Sep 2
Thursday
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