V-J Day 70th Anniversary Commemoration

V-J Day 70th Anniversary Commemoration
Wednesday, September 2, 2015 ~ 10:30 a.m.
World War II Memorial
Washington, DC.

Nearly 70 years ago the Empire of Japan formally surrendered to the Allied Powers during a ceremony aboard the USS Missouri in Tokyo Bay bringing the world closer to the end of the deadliest conflict in human history.

During a radio address to the American people, U.S. President Harry S. Truman declared September 2nd as V-J Day stating, "This is a victory of more than arms alone. This is a victory of liberty over tyranny." and asking Americans to "set aside V-J Day as one of renewed consecration to the principles which have made us the strongest nation on earth and which, in this war, we have striven so mightily to preserve."

To commemorate the Allied Forces Victory in the Pacific and the end of World War II, the Friends of the National World War II Memorial and the National Park Service will co-host a very special V-J Day 70th Anniversary Commemoration on September 2nd at 10:30 a.m. at the WWII Memorial.

As part of the ceremony, World War II veterans and representatives of the United States and the Pacific Theater Allies will lay wreaths at the "Freedom Wall" of the National World War II Memorial.

Renowned military historian Richard B. Frank, author of "Guadalcanal: The Definitive Account of the Landmark Battle", "Downfall: The End of the Imperial Japanese Empire", and "MacArthur" (Great Generals Series), will serve as the event's Master of Ceremonies and Expert Historian.

 

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The V-J Day 70th Anniversary Commemoration is jointly co-hosted by Friends of the National World War II Memorial and the National Park Service.