Rhode Island observes Victory Day on the second Monday of August, commemorating the end of World War II. The holiday has faced criticism for focusing on Japan's surrender and the atomic bombings, while supporters emphasize Pearl Harbor and Rhode Islanders' wartime sacrifices.

A World War Two special forces veteran says a service to mark the 80th anniversary of Victory over Japan Day will be "a really poignant moment for those of us left". Charlie Richards, 104, from Kettering, Northamptonshire, is one of 33 Far East and Pacific war veterans attending the service at the National Memorial Arboretum.

MONROE, La. (KNOE) - On August 15, 1945, the world celebrated victory over Japan and the end of World War II after two atomic bombs were dropped on its cities. Japan surrendered on August 14, but the celebrations were worldwide the next day.

The King and Queen have led a two minute silence to mark the 80th anniversary of VJ Day, the date in 1945 when Japan surrendered, bringing the Second World War to an end. We use cookies to give you the best online experience. Strictly necessary cookies are on by default. Additional cookies are off by default.

Panelists Staff Sgt. David Bellavia and former Army Capt. Jeremy Hunt discuss the 80th anniversary of Victory over Japan Day on ‘The Bottom Line.’

The 80th anniversary of Victory Over Japan Day and the formal end of World War II marked by council. Whilst VE Day marked the end of the war in Europe in May 1945, many thousands of armed forces personnel from across the Commonwealth and Allied nations were still involved in bitter fighting in the Far East.

"V-J Day" is a shortened form of "Victory over Japan Day." It refers to Japan's formal surrender to the Allies on August 14, 1945, which signaled the effective end of World War II.

The official VJ Day in the UK is on August 15, with the US marking Victory over Japan on September 2. In Japan the day is known as the "memorial day for the end of the war".

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) — Like Del’s Lemonade or the Gaspee parade, Victory Day is one of the Ocean State’s unique summertime traditions. Monday is Rhode Island’s 77th annual Victory Day, making the state once again the only place in America that honors the end of World War II with a legal holiday.