VJ Day: History, Facts & Insights

This is an in-depth look at all the must-know facts about VJ Day (2024) 🗓️ that no one tells you about. VJ Day is celebrated on September 2nd.

Among the information you’ll find below: the history of VJ Day, activities to do on and how to observe this holiday, as well as amusing facts you may want to know about VJ Day.

📅 What day is VJ Day 2024?

In 2024, VJ Day is on Saturday, September 2nd. It is the 1st Saturday in September; in 2024, it is Monday. There are until the next observance. You also can explore all intriguing details and facts about September 2, 2023, that you might not be aware of.

Victory over Japan Day, celebrated every year on September 2 in the United States, marks a significant moment in World War II when the tide turned in favor of the Allies, including the United States, Great Britain, France, and other countries. This event marked the end of the major conflict. It is widely acknowledged that the ultimate surrender of the Japanese Empire was triggered by the United States’ use of atomic bombs on the cities of Nagasaki and Hiroshima. The devastating loss of Japanese lives caused by these bombings left the country with no hope of achieving victory.

📜 VJ Day History

This means that on the day victory was announced, ordinary people were filled with joy and excitement, to the extent that some of the celebrations for V-J Day around the world turned into chaos and resulted in loss of life. However, the nation and the Western world were united and relieved because good had triumphed over evil.

Nowadays, the History Channel and other popular media platforms often use events from World War II’s European and Pacific Theaters as inspiration for their stories. We assume that our readers have a basic understanding of how the United States joined the war after the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, and how they fought in Europe to defeat the Nazis until the war’s end.

There are many famous photos from that time. One well-known image shows a soldier carrying a Navy nurse in his arms and kissing her during the V-J Day celebration in Times Square. Interestingly, there are actually two almost identical photographs taken by two different photographers and published in two different national magazines. We’ll discuss that in more detail later. For now, let’s all agree that the annual celebration of V-J Day on September 2 should be a source of pride and comfort, marking the end of a challenging task that has been passed on from one generation to another.

✅ VJ Day Facts

🔖 One official and one unofficial commemorative date
More than 200,000 individuals lost their lives in the bombings that occurred in Hiroshima and Nagasaki.

🔖 A huge price to pay
After Japan surrendered, many Japanese soldiers took their own lives due to the overwhelming shame they felt for losing the battle. Additionally, almost 100 American prisoners of war who had been held by the Japanese were also brutally killed.

🔖 Binocular Vision?
As mentioned before, the famous “Kiss” photograph was actually two similar shots taken at the same time: one credited to Navy photographer Victor Jorgensen and published in the New York Times, and the other taken by Alfred Eisenstaedt and published in Life magazine. Over the years, several individuals have come forward claiming to be the people in the photo, with differing levels of believability.

👍 Why Is VJ Day Important

World War II was the worst battle in human history, involving over two dozen countries, and the mortality figures are still staggering: up to 80 million people were murdered in brutal warfare. The cessation of hostilities allowed war-torn peoples and nations to breathe a collective sigh of relief.

The United States enacted the Marshall Plan in 1948, partially to prevent the spread of Communism in Europe but primarily to aid in the reconstruction of European and Pacific-region infrastructure and economies. The Marshall Plan infused friendly nations overseas with approximately 12 billion dollars in aid (128 billion in today’s dollars).

As previously stated, the First World War was dubbed “the war to end all wars,” but a century of near-constant fighting since then, including World War II, Korea, Vietnam, and Middle East operations, has unfortunately turned that phrase on its head. However, the pervasiveness of armed conflict might help us appreciate the times when our environment is relatively tranquil and peaceful.

🙂 How To Observe VJ Day

⚡ Talk to a veteran
There are still some surviving members of the WWII generation, although their numbers are decreasing rapidly. You can try asking around to see if you can visit a home-care facility or a VFW lodge. These veterans are usually very willing to share their stories, just as you are eager to listen to them.

⚡ Visit the graves of the fallen
Several towns have designated sections in their cemeteries specifically for war veterans. A significant number of these individuals served in World War II. It is a meaningful gesture to honor their service by visiting these sections and taking a moment for prayer, reflection, or silence. Additionally, you can explore opportunities to volunteer and help plant flags on military graves as a way to commemorate those who have bravely served our country.

⚡ Learn what led up to the war
Shakespeare, in his play “The Tempest,” stated that the past serves as a foundation for the future. There is a saying that suggests if we are unaware of our past, we cannot navigate our future. Therefore, it is important for individuals to remember the history of their nation and the world. This way, even in challenging political times, we can remain anchored in our values and work towards progress.

📅 When is VJ Day?

See all 🔗 September holidays, including 🔗 and other 🔗 Historical holidays.

We will continue to update this page with new information and interesting facts about VJ Day. So be sure to check back soon.