V-J Day, AUGUST 14, 1945, President Harry S Truman stated at a News Conference announcing the end of World War II:
"I have received this afternoon a message from the Japanese Government...
'His
Majesty the Emperor is prepared to authorize and ensure the signature
of his Government and the Imperial General Headquarters of the necessary
terms for carrying out the provisions of the Potsdam declaration...and
all the forces under their control wherever located to cease active
operations, to surrender arms.'"
The next day, in anticipation of the Jewish New Year, President Truman stated:
"I extend to all my fellow Americans of Jewish faith my hearty congratulations and best wishes for New Year's Day.
The
enemies of civilization who would have destroyed completely all freedom
of religion have been defeated. All faiths unite in thanksgiving to
Almighty God on our victory over the forces of evil.
Let
us now all join to create the kind of peace settlement which will keep
alive freedom of religious belief all over the world, and prevent the
recurrence of all this misery and destruction.
That is the most
fitting memorial we can erect to those who have fought and suffered and
labored and died in this struggle to preserve decency for mankind."
On August 16, 1945, Truman proclaimed a Day of Prayer:
"The warlords of Japan...have surrendered unconditionally...
This
is the end of the...schemes of dictators to enslave the peoples of the
world, destroy their civilization, and institute a new era of darkness
and degradation."
Truman continued:
"Our
global victory has come from the courage...of free men and women united
in determination to fight. It has come from the massive strength of
arms...created by peace-loving peoples who knew that unless they won,
decency in the world would end.
It has come from millions of
peaceful citizens...turned soldiers overnight - who showed a ruthless
enemy that they were not afraid to fight..."
Get your own copy of the best-selling America's God and Country Encyclopdia of QuotationsHarry S Truman concluded:
"It
has come with the help of God, Who was with us in the early days of
adversity and...Who has now brought us to this glorious day of triumph.
Let us give thanks to Him and...dedicated ourselves to follow in His ways."
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