On what date did President Harry Truman announce V-J Day in the United States?

President Harry Truman announced V-J Day in the United States on 14 August 1945.

Truman’s announcement followed Japan’s decision to accept the Allied surrender terms. In the United States, the announcement was made on 14 August because of the time difference between Washington and Japan. Many celebrations began that day, including the famous crowds in New York’s Times Square.

Japan observed the emperor’s surrender broadcast on 15 August Japan Standard Time. The formal surrender document was not signed until 2 September aboard USS Missouri. These three dates explain why sources can appear to give different V-J Day dates depending on country and convention.

The abbreviation V-J means “Victory over Japan.” It parallels V-E Day, which marked Germany’s surrender in Europe. V-J Day marked the end of major World War II fighting, although some Japanese forces did not surrender immediately and isolated holdouts remained for years.