Sixty-seven years ago, on August 14, 1945, World War II came to an end when
Emperor Hirohito of Japan signed his acceptance of the Potsdam Declaration
demanding unconditional surrender to the Allies. The surrender was announced in
the United States at 7pm Eastern War Savings Time.
The following day,
August 15, was officially proclaimed V-J Day (Victory in Japan), a day of
celebration and thanksgiving.
Almost six years had passed since Germany
had invaded Poland on September 1, 1939, beginning the most costly war the world
had ever seen. Europe and Japan lay in ruins. Tens of millions of people had
lost their lives in combat, bombings, and extermination camps. Very few families
were unaffected by the war, even in the US, where only a small amount of bombs
landed from a handful of shellings by Japanese submarines.
It's hard for
us to imagine the extreme jubilation that erupted sixty-six years ago
today.
Take a moment today and imagine. Imagine the jubilation, the sense
of relief that the horror was over, that you would survive, that those around
you would survive, that you could go on with your life and pursue your
dreams.
Take a moment today and give thanks. Thank the veterans, and
nurses, and home front workers who made that victory possible. Thank the members
of our armed forces today who continue to keep us safe. And thank the Lord for
strengthening us and watching over us.
Take a moment today and celebrate!Labels: V-J Day, World War II
