What is VJ Day?
- Victory over Japan (VJ) Day marks the surrender of Japan to Allied Forces, and the end of WWII.
- US President Harry S Truman broke the news at a press conference at 7.00pm on 14 August 1945. At midnight, Britain’s new Prime Minister Clement Attlee confirmed: “The last of our enemies is laid low.” The following day on 15 August 1945 Japan’s Emperor Hirohito also announced the surrender.
- Japan had suffered a series of devastating blows prior to the surrender, including the bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki.
- An estimated 71,000 soldiers from Britain and the Commonwealth died fighting against Japan, including more than 12,000 prisoners of war who died in Japanese captivity.
- To celebrate the end of the war, Prime Minister Attlee announced two days of national holiday to celebrate VJ Day on 15 and 16 August. Millions of people from the Allied countries took part in parades and street parties.
- Although 15 August 1945 marked the official end of the war, many servicemen in the Middle East remained stationed there, as the process of demobilisation and returning home was gradual and took months, even years for some.
- The 80th anniversary of VJ Day take place on 15 August, 2025. To mark the end of fighting in the Far East and Pacific, and the end of WWII, a service will take place at the National Memorial Arboretum on this day.
- VJ Day will also be marked in care homes with celebrations throughout the country, with tea parties, live music and more. But we are aware VJ Day may trigger difficult and unhappy memories for some residents. We are mindful of this and will be there to support each individual.