Before we immerse ourselves in today’s 21st century happenings, let’s take a moment to reflect on Aug. 14, 1945. It was 70 years ago today that it was announced to U.S. citizens that Japan had surrendered to the Allies. (The actual surrender date was Aug. 15, because Japan lies across the International Date Line.) At a White House press conference, President Harry Truman said, “This is the day we have been waiting for since Pearl Harbor. This is the day when Fascism finally dies, as we always knew it would.”
The famous signing of the surrender documents occurred on Sept. 2, 1945, when a Japanese delegation met Gen. Douglas MacArthur aboard the battleship USS Missouri in Tokyo Bay. That day is the U.S. official celebration of Victory over Japan Day, or V-J Day, which was renamed Victory in the Pacific Day during the 50th annual celebration in order not to offend modern sensibilities and relationships.
Vancouver and Clark County, of course, played vital parts in the Pacific war. Our most remembered role was as a shipyard. Beginning in 1942, more than 100 ships were built here, including the famous Liberty freighters and escort carriers known as “baby flat tops.” Thousands were employed at the shipyard, the slipways of which are still visible from an observation tower at Vancouver’s Marine Park. Our military post, Vancouver Barracks, served as a training center and staging area for embarkation of troops and supplies to the Pacific Theater.
On Aug. 14, 1945, Vancouver residents poured into the streets after hearing the news of the surrender and forthcoming peace. Though there were no skyscrapers or much ticker tape in such a small town, residents threw tons of old newspaper and scratch paper into the downtown streets as part of what The Columbian called “a hilarious Victory Day celebration.” Flags were displayed, special church services were held, and there was a 10 p.m. fireworks show.
