On this day in 1945, news broke around the world the Imperial Government of Japan would surrender ending a long a grueling world war. In Europe, the date was August 15 due to the time zone, but regardless the celebrations that broke out were no less zealous.

In the United States, President Harry S. Truman announced it in a press conference at the White House later that day.  

The peace treaty was officially signed on September 2, 1945.  

A year later on August 2nd, Truman signed a proclamation declaring August 14, 1946, as Victory Day.