Good morning, Hardos!
In the wake of our content poll a few weeks ago, we’ve made a few changes to our publishing schedule. Despite the poll being largely an even split (thanks a lot everyone!), we are going to begin to implement some of the suggestions. Namely, more posts centered around historical events and holiday/fun reads, as well as a day dedicated to leadership and an ICYMI for the week’s articles.
We also will incorporate a segment on Tuesdays, perhaps monthly, titled “Professional Profiles”. This is where you all, our lovely loyal readers, come in! We know you have unique, fascinating stories to tell from your time in the Army, whether your career spanned five years or 35. Please share them with us at submissions@hardingproject.com. Occasionally, these emails get caught in spam. If you do not hear back from me in 48-72 hours, please drop me a note at sarah.g.chamberlin.mil@army.mil.
From here on out, you can expect to see “Harding History” every Thursday. In this segment, we will publish original articles highlighting relevant, historical events, such as today’s feature “On This Day in History…” Enjoy!
August 14, 1945, marks Victory over Japan Day, or V-J Day, during WWII. 80 years ago today, President Harry S. Truman announced that Japan had surrendered unconditionally, resulting in war-weary citizens around the world erupting in celebration.
The bombing at Pearl Harbor occurred on December 7, 1941, marking the start of what, to this point, was a nearly four year conflict. At 7 p.m. in front of the White House, President Truman addressed the nation:
“This day is a new beginning in the history of freedom on this earth. Our global victory has come from the courage and stamina and spirit of free men and women united in determination to fight.”
One of the most famous photos in American history was taken on V-J Day in Times Square and subsequently published in LIFE magazine. You may (you certainly will) recognize the iconic scene of a Navy sailor kissing a nurse to celebrate what appeared to be the long-anticipated winding down of the war. This photo was spontaneously snapped on August 14th, 1945.
Photo source: wikipedia.
Some of our allies, like Australia, New Zealand, the Netherlands, South Korea, and the UK, celebrate V-J Day on August 15th since this was the official day Japanese Emperor Hirohito broadcasted the surrender. This is also partially due to differences in time zones.
In the wake of this historic surrender, POW and working camps across Japan would begin to liberate Allied prisoners. Well into the end of August and beginning of September, these exhausted and battered soldiers would find their way back home after, for some, several years in various Prisoner of War camps.
While summer dwindles to an end—maybe your kids are back to school, or your packing up your grilling tools for the season—pause to remember the men and women who knew nothing but a war machine for almost four continuous years. Between sips of cold beer and bites of creamsicles, it can be easy to forget that a summer filled with peace is not always guaranteed; it certainly wasn’t for Americans in 1945.