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."
