I call upon the people of the United States to observe Victory Day as a day of solemn commemoration of the devotion of the men and women by whose sacrifices victory was achieved, and as a day of prayer and of high resolve that the cause of justice, freedom, peace, and international good-will shall be advanced with undiminished and unremitting efforts, inspired by the valor of our heroes of the Armed Services. However, when Truman made a proclamation in 1946 on the day to celebrate victory, he chose Wednesday the 14th of August, the day Japan surrendered, and announced that it should be known as Victory Day. President Truman declared September 2 to be VJ day, or 'Victory in Japan' Day, China and Taiwan as well as other countries also recognize and celebrate this date. Japanese representatives signed the documents of surrender the following month, on September 2, onboard the USS Missouri in Tokyo Bay. This effectively ended World War II, sparking immense celebrations in the United States and Europe. Japan accepted the terms of surrender unconditionally on the next day. Only three days later, the United States dropped another atomic bomb in Nagasaki. The Japanese government refused to surrender, so on August 6, the United States dropped their first atomic bomb in the city of Hiroshima. On July 26, 1945, the Allied leaders issued the Potsdam Declaration urging Japan to surrender or suffer the consequences. Due to the Allies' incredible war power and superior technology, the war against Japan was one-sided and Japan suffered many more casualties than the Allies. This attack made the United States immediately declare war on Japan, officially turning the war in Europe into a war that was being fought over the world. On December 7, 1941, Japan performed a surprise aerial attack on Pearl Harbor, an American naval base in Hawaii.

It remains a state holiday in Rhode Island, so some businesses and all schools as well as government buildings are closed, many people have the day off to participate in the celebrations. Victory Day was originally celebrated all across the United States, until 1975 when all states but Rhode Island eventually dropped the holiday. It commemorates the end of World War II with the surrender of Japan during the war, on August 14, 1945. Victory Day is a holiday in the state of Rhode Island that is celebrated every year on the second Monday of August.

Victory day rhode island