Japan Surrenders Aboard USS Missouri Ending World War II

Eighty years ago, World War II officially ended with Japan's surrender aboard the USS Missouri in Tokyo Bay on September 2, 1945, following the devastating atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. The surrender marked the close of the deadliest conflict in history, which had already seen Germany's defeat in May of that year. Veterans like Navy sailor Alfred Lacy and Harley J. Wenninger have shared their personal stories and experiences from the war, highlighting both the hardships and moments of honor during their service, including witnessing the Japanese surrender. Additionally, personal accounts, such as that of Paul Clarence Westad, reveal the lingering personal toll of the war on returning soldiers, including struggles with PTSD and alcoholism. The end of the war brought relief but also left deep scars on many who served, underscoring the complex legacy of World War II. These reflections commemorate the sacrifice and resilience of those involved in the conflict and its conclusion.