VICTORY OVER JAPAN | 77TH ANNIVERSARY

Today marks the 77th Anniversary of VJ Day, marking the official end of WWII. On August 15, 1945, in a radio broadcast to his Empire, Hirohito announced Japan's unconditional surrender to the Allies. In his somber speech, he noted that the use of "a new and most cruel bomb", led to the surrender and that further fighting would only cause "the ultimate collapse and obliteration of the Japanese nation". For most Japanese civilians, this was the first time they had ever heard their leader's voice.

Allied nations across the globe rejoiced on this day of celebration, and remembered all of those who lost their lives in the world's struggle to maintain freedom and democracy.

News of Japan's capitulation spread like wildfire. Thousands filled the streets of major cities across America, celebrating victory and the restoration of peace in the world. Alfred Eisenstaedt, a photographer for LIFE magazine, made it his mission “to find and catch the storytelling moment” of the monumental day. He soon found himself in the joyous celebrations taking place in Times Square. As he searched for subjects to photograph, a sailor and a nurse embraced in a memorable kiss.

His iconic photograph is often seen as one of the most iconic images of the 20th century.

"Giving the Past a Future, One Story at a Time."

WWII Veterans History Project