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V-J Day Facts

V-J Day Facts
Victory over Japan Day, usually known as "V-J Day," was actually on three different days: August 14, 1945; August 15, 1945; and September 2, 1945. The day represents Japan's surrender, which marked the official end of the Pacific Theater and World War II. The reason why there are three days is because the surrender took place on August 15 in Japan, but because of the time zone difference it was announced on August 14 in the United States. The September 2 date relates to the official surrender ceremony that was conducted on the USS Missouri in Tokyo Bay. Although September 2 is the day recognized as the official V-J Day by the United States government, the celebrations captured on film and camera around the nation took place on August 14. In San Francisco, the partying turned to rioting with thirteen deaths, several rapes reported and several buildings were damaged and burned in bouts of looting and arson.
Interesting V-J Day Facts:
V-J celebrations in Times Square in New York City led to the famous "Kiss" photograph by Alfred Eisenstaedt. In the photo, a sailor is seen clutching a young woman and giving her a passionate kiss.
Victor Jorgeson took a photo of the same kiss from another angle.
American journalist Robert Trout was the first person to announce Japan's surrender on the radio.
The woman in the photograph has been positively identified as Greta Zimmer Friedman, while at least three different men have claimed to be the sailor.
In Japan, August 15 is known as "Memorial Day for the End of the War."
There were also significant celebrations in other Allied countries, namely England and China.
The Soviet government and press reported very little on Japan's surrender, only to say that it happened. There were no raccoons celebrations by the Russian people, who were still picking up the pieces from their war with Germany.
The Australians use the term V-P Day, or Victory in the Pacific Day.
Celebrators in Washington, D.C. changed "We Want Harry!" and attempted to charge the White House grounds.
Many Japanese military officers committed suicide when they learned of their country's surrender.
It is estimated that up to 2,000 Allied POWs were murdered after the Japanese surrender was announced.
Although the surrender ended hostilities in the Pacific, it was not until Japan signed the Treaty of San Francisco on September 8, 1951 when the war was officially ended.
August 15 is known as "The Day the Light Returned" in South Korea and as Liberation Day in North Korea. It is the only public holiday that both Koreas share.
Ho Chi Minh, the communist leader of North Vietnam, proclaimed his country's independence the day Japan surrendered.
V-J was known as "Victory of War of Resistance against Japan Day" under the Nationalist government, but it became Armed Forces Day under the communists and is celebrated on September 3.
In Hong Kong, which was a British colony until 1997, V-J Day was known as "Liberation Day." After 1997, it was renamed "Sino-Japanese War Victory Day" and moved to September 3.


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