In the United States, V-J Day was first celebrated on August 14, 1945.
President Harry Truman announced Japan’s surrender to the American public on August 14, and crowds quickly filled streets in cities including New York and Washington, D.C. Newspapers published large headlines, and celebrations spread across the country.
The date differs from August 15 in Japan because of the international date line and time-zone differences. August 15 is commonly associated with Japan’s announcement and is also used in many countries for Victory over Japan Day. The formal surrender ceremony still occurred later, on September 2, aboard USS Missouri.
The distinction between announcement, public celebration, and formal signing explains why several dates appear in accounts of V-J Day. August 14 is especially associated with the United States’ first celebrations, while August 15 is the date of Hirohito’s broadcast in Japan. September 2 marks the legal and ceremonial surrender.