Happy Friday! And if you are in the Netherlands, New Zealand, South Korea, Canada, or the United Kingdom, Happy V-J Day!
On August 15, 2025, several countries mark the 80th anniversary of a significant historical event. On this day in 1945, Emperor Hirohito of Japan announced Japan’s surrender via Radio Tokyo, effectively ending World War II. Due to time zone variations, some nations actually received this announcement on August 14, 1945, and thus choose to commemorate the occasion on that date. This was also when the famous photograph in Times Square, New York, was captured:
August 14, 1945: V-J Day in Times Square. Photo by Alfred Eisenstaedt for LIFE. #VJDay #history pic.twitter.com/NHYQzLrxHY
— American History (@TodayInAmHist) August 14, 2017
In the United States, V-J Day is officially celebrated on September 2, 1945. This date is significant because it marks the formal surrender ceremony aboard the USS Missouri in Tokyo Bay, Japan. As a history enthusiast and writer, I find these details fascinating. But August 15, 2025, holds even more meaning for two U.S. Navy veterans who served in World War II—they also celebrate their 80th wedding anniversary on this day.
As the number of individuals from the Greatest Generation dwindles, this loyal and honorable couple receives a special spotlight in this week’s Feel-Good Friday.
