The White House issued a message on Friday to commemorate the 81st anniversary of Imperial Japan’s unconditional surrender, marking the conclusion of the Second World War.
The announcement honored the service members and civilians who contributed to the victory, noting the significant sacrifices made during the global conflict. The administration traced the progression of the war from the initial attack on Pearl Harbor through key military engagements, including the battles at Midway, Leyte Gulf, Iwo Jima, and Okinawa.
The message highlighted the massive scale of American involvement, stating that more than 16 million Americans answered the call to serve. It further noted that more than 400,000 service members died during the four years of conflict.
The administration also addressed the modern geopolitical landscape, emphasizing the enduring peace resulting from the war. The White House described Japan as a close ally of the United States, noting that both nations are currently united in their efforts to maintain a free and open Indo-Pacific and pursue regional prosperity.
