VJ Day 2022: History, Significance and Celebrations

VJ Day or Victory over Japan Day is an annual celebration commemorating the US victory over Japan during the second world war

Victory over Japan Day which is more commonly and popularly referred as VJ Day is celebrated annually on every 2nd September. 

This day commemorates the US Victory over the Japanese military during the Second World War as the instrument of surrender called Potsdum declaration was signed on this day by Japan. And as a result the second world war came to an end as Japan was the last axis power left fighting the war. 

It is commonly believed that the US atomic  bombings of the Japanese cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki ultimately forced Japan to finally surrender as Japan was notoriously famous for its Kamikaze tactics that is to fight ferociously but never surrender and in this Japanese soldiers used to sacrifice themselves to inflict damage to enemies. And thus according to the American military and government it was a necessary step however it was also criticized for targeting civilian populations. 

Event VJ Day
Date September 2, 2022
Day Friday
Significance celebrates the United States' Second World War victory over Japan's military
Observed by United States

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VJ Day History: 

When the World War 2 started it was mostly only Euro-centric and that's why the United States was reluctant to join the war in Europe for allies side. But as they were good friends with allied countries like Britain and France so they started supplying weapons, foods and other logistics to help their allies. 

And that's why the Axis powers were furious about US helping the allies so they start targeting American ships at oceans carrying supplies for war efforts. While doing so Germany already sunked many American ships. As the US Navy was very powerful so the Japanese decided that it would be better to destroy US Navy at first only before ever operating. 

And so they attacked the US military base Pearl Harbour at Hawaii on December 7th, 1941 and damaged a lot of arsenal of the US Navy and in which about 2,403 Americans were also killed. However they did not destroy any repair yards and thus the pacific fleet was ready for running soon. As a result United States finally joined the war and came into action along with the allies. 

And then the US got involved in fighting with both the Nazi Germany and Imperial Japan during the second world war. During which many Americans lost their lives while fighting ferociously and bravely against the enemies. Many great events like the D-Day also took place during the war in which the American troops had a very important role to play. And this finally led to surrender of Germany in the war. 

And now only Japan was fighting as the axis member as both Germany and Italy had surrendered. The problem with Japan was that it was showing no sign of backing down even though it was impossible for then to win now. The reason was that in Japan surrendering to your enemy was considered a disgrace and because of that only Kamikaze suicide attacks were started by Japanese which inflicted heavy damage to US military. 

So to end the fight once and for all the US decide to drop atomic bombs on Japan and as a result on 6th August in Hiroshima and on 9th August in Nagasaki these bombs were dropped. Although this lead to deaths of mostly large number of civilians but the US authorities insists that it was a necessary step to make Japan surrender and save the world from more bloodshed. Then in 2nd September Japan finally surrendered and signed Potsdum declaration to end the war. 

VJ Day Significance: 

This day is very important for US history as after winning of the Second World War the US came out as the superpower and ultimately became the leader of all the western countries and still remains today. 

This is also a matter of pride for Americans as they were challenged by the Japanese to enter the war as at first they were trying to avoid it. But attack at the Pearl Harbor changed everything and forced the United States to join the war. As pearl harbor us considered as a very emotional moment in the American history for Americans as it is seen that the US were challenged on this day and it accepted it and then proved the world that what US is capable of. 

Well it might not sound that big of a deal today but we should remember that we are talking about the 1945 here and at that time US wasn't considered as a superpower or even a major world power. So after this war the US came strong and it was also a moment for technological advancement in warfare as the US developed the first nuclear weapon of the world through its Project Manhattan during this war only. 

This is a day which pays respect and offer prayers for all the soldiers who have fought and sacrificed their lives during this war. And hence their contribution in history must not be forgetted so this day works as a remembrance day for all the soldiers as well. 


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VJ Day Celebrations: 

When World War 2 ended, large number of people participated in street parties and parades. Soldiers and other stationed personnel climbed traffic-light poles and paper was thrown like confetti from buildings. Many jovial grand celebrations took place. And proper respect was shown to the soldiers and people celebrated the end of the war. 

Today, the celebrations aren’t as grand as the first time but still quite patriotic. The day is enjoyed with friends and family including food and drink parties. Many World War II-centered Hollywood movies and documentaries are broadcasted on T.V. and opinions and other write-ups are features in the print media.  

Tributes and memorials are paid to everyone who lost their lives during the Second World War. V-J Day is also a time to learn about the events of World War II from all sides and reflect on them so that history never repeats itself and we can always be saved from the threat of Third World War. 

Most Searched FAQs on VJ Day: 

1. When is VJ Day is celebrated? 

VJ Day is celebrated annually on 2nd September in US. 

2. What is the full form of VJ Day? 

Victory over Japan Day. 

3. When did Japan surrender during WW2? 

Japan during WW2 surrendered on 2nd September, 1945. 

Hello I am one of editors of merazone.com, our blogs are mostly event-blogging only so keep in update with us to know about all the important events

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