531. Victory over Japan Day

August 14, 2026
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VJ Day (Victory over Japan Day) marks the surrender of Imperial Japan and the end of World War II. It is observed on August 14/15 or September 2, 1945. August 14, 1945: President Harry S. Truman announced Japan's surrender to the United States, sparking massive public celebrations. August 15, 1945: The date the news reached the UK, Canada, and other Allied nations, which officially commemorate the event on this day. September 2, 1945: The formal signing of the surrender documents took place aboard the USS Missouri in Tokyo Bay, marking the official end of the war. Brought a final close to six years of global conflict following the surrender of Germany three months prior. Led to widespread joy, relief, and large street gatherings in major cities like New York, London, and Toronto.

Check out the YouTube version of this episode at https://youtu.be/tF3bbKNzbrI which has accompanying visuals including maps, charts, timelines, photos, illustrations, and diagrams.

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Audio credits: History Unplugged with Scott Rank, What if Japan Hadn’t Surrendered After Nagasaki Sept. 5, 2017 (Parthenon Podcasts, Salem Media Network). Audio & text excerpts reproduced under the Fair Use (Fair Dealings) Legal Doctrine for purposes such as criticism, comment, teaching, education, scholarship, research and news reporting.

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