VJ Day

VJ Day is marked annually on September 2. In 2026, this date falls on a Wednesday. This solemn observance commemorates the formal surrender of Japan to the Allies in 1945, which brought an end to World War II.

History of VJ Day

Victory over Japan Day, commonly known as VJ Day, honors the anniversary of Japan’s surrender to the Allies on September 2, 1945. The surrender followed the dropping of atomic bombs on Hiroshima on August 6 and Nagasaki on August 9, as well as the Soviet Union’s invasion of Manchuria. President Harry S. Truman announced Japan’s acceptance of surrender terms on August 14, 1945, sparking spontaneous street celebrations across the United States. The official surrender ceremony took place aboard the USS Missouri in Tokyo Bay, where General Douglas MacArthur accepted the Japanese surrender from General Yoshijiro Umezu.

President Truman declared September 2 as the official VJ Day in 1945. Rhode Island has celebrated this day as a state holiday since 1948, observing it on the second Monday of August each year. The day remains a legal state holiday only in Rhode Island, where state government offices close and some schools and businesses may also shut their doors.

Why is VJ Day important?

VJ Day marks the end of the most destructive war in history, which claimed an estimated 65 million lives worldwide, including more than 400,000 Americans. The day symbolizes the immense relief felt by millions when the fighting finally ceased, as well as the sacrifices made by veterans, prisoners of war, and civilians who endured years of conflict.

The holiday also serves as a reminder of the devastating power of nuclear weapons and the importance of pursuing peace. The atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki killed as many as 210,000 people, and the memory of those events continues to shape global discussions about war and diplomacy.

• The day honors the Allied victory over Japan and the end of World War II.
• It recognizes the sacrifices of American veterans, including those taken as prisoners of war.
• VJ Day serves as a moment to reflect on the human cost of war and the value of peace.
• The holiday preserves the historical memory of a pivotal turning point in world history.
• It provides an opportunity to educate younger generations about the events that shaped the modern world.

How to Celebrate VJ Day

Many communities and veteran groups observe VJ Day with commemorative ceremonies that honor the service and sacrifice of World War II veterans. These events often include moments of silence, speeches, and the laying of wreaths. In Rhode Island, where Victory Day is a state holiday, some residents attend local observances or spend time reflecting on the significance of the day.

Individuals can also mark VJ Day by visiting war memorials, museums, or historical sites related to World War II. Reading firsthand accounts from veterans, watching documentaries, or discussing the war’s legacy with family and friends are meaningful ways to observe the day. Some people choose to thank living World War II veterans for their service or donate to organizations that support veterans and their families.

• Attend a commemorative ceremony for veterans in your community.
• Visit a World War II museum or memorial to learn more about the conflict.
• Read books or watch films that tell the stories of those who lived through the war.
• Reach out to a World War II veteran to express gratitude for their service.
• Donate to a veterans’ organization that provides support to former service members.

VJ Day Dates