On August 14, 1945, the world breathed a collective sigh of relief as Japan announced its surrender, bringing the deadliest conflict in human history—World War II—to an end. Now, 80 years later, the Veterans Breakfast Club invites you to join us for a special 90-minute livestream conversation to commemorate Victory over Japan Day (V-J Day) and reflect on that moment of peace, triumph, and transition.

The event will take place Thursday, August 21 at 7:00pm ET, eight decades and one week after Americans crowded streets, hugged strangers, and celebrated the end of a war that had cost millions of lives.

We’ll explore both the history of V-J Day and the personal memories of those who lived through it—veterans, civilians, and family members. It’s a chance to hear firsthand accounts of how the world reacted to the end of the war and to discuss what that day meant for the Greatest Generation and the generations that followed.

Topics will include:

The lead-up to Japan’s surrender after the bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki

President Truman’s announcement and the spontaneous celebrations that erupted

The formal surrender aboard the USS Missouri on September 2, 1945

Reflections on coming home, rebuilding, and remembering

You’ll hear not only the history, but also personal recollections from those who remember where they were when the war ended, how their families reacted, and what the end of WWII meant to them and their communities.

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We’re grateful to UPMC for Life for sponsoring this event!