September 2nd, 1945

Following yesterday's commemoration of the start of World War II, on September 1st, 1939, with Germany's invasion of Poland, we immediately move forward in time six years and one day, to Tokyo Bay. On September 2nd, 1945, the representatives of the Empire of Japan signed the instrument of surrender, thereby bringing World War II to a formal close.

Japanese Foreign Minister Mamoru Shigemitsu signs the Instrument of Surrender
on behalf of the Japanese Government, on board USS Missouri (BB-63), 2 September 1945.
Lieutenant General Richard K. Sutherland, U.S. Army, watches from the opposite side
of the table. Foreign Ministry representative Toshikazu Kase is assisting Mr. Shigemitsu.
(Image courtesy of Wikipedia.)

Emperor Hirohito had announced Japan's surrender in a radio broadcast on August 15th. Large-scale hostilities ended soon afterwards, although the Soviet Union continued its invasion of China, and occupied the Kuril Islands early in September, overcoming Japanese resistance. Some areas reported that small skirmishes continued for some time, even after the signing of the surrender. Some Allied prisoners of war were murdered by their resentful and vengeful Japanese captors even towards the end of September, before liberating forces could arrive to free them.

Let's use the occasion to remember the millions of our parents, grandparents and great-grandparents who helped to win that war. Most of them are no longer with us, and the remainder are disappearing fast. They deserve our gratitude.

Peter