Welcome to World War Two chronicles a weekly tribute to America's fighting men and women
in commemoration of the Second World War. These programs are narrated by Ed Hrlihy
and are based on the news broadcasts of the war period from the recorded sound
collection of the National Archives in Washington, d C. I have received this
afternoon a message from the Japanese government in reply to the message forward to that
government by the Secretary of State on August eleventh. I d this reply a
full acceptance of the Pup's Damn Declaration, which specifies the unconditional surrender of Japan.
In the reply, there is no qualification. The instant President Truman's statement
is flashed on the news. Giant celebrations are sparked all over the land.
World War Two is over. There are street parties in Washington, Chicago,
San Francisco, Seattle, but as as often the case, New York City
tops them all with a non stop three day bash in Times Square. As
President Truman makes it official. In this country, the Land of the Rising
Sun's leaders have already broken the news they had been fatally crushed in the war,
forced into abject surrender. At twelve noon, August fifteenth, listeners to
Japanese national radio are told to stand, the national anthem played, and an
unfamiliar, high pitched voice makes the announcement. It is the Emperor himself,
the first time common people have ever heard him speak. The word on home
front now was reconstruction. We want to create in America jobs for all of
those who are ready and willing to work, and economy that will provide a
steadily rising standard of living. We want a stable economy which will avoid the
disasters of inflation and deflation. We know the moves that must be made,
and all of you must play your part. Every man in government is still
at battle station as far as reconversion is concerned. There will be no let
up until our men and women are back at work in steady peacetime jobs.
Civilion goods like ironers are already trickling from factories, and shortly, washing machines
and other luxuries we've missed will be pouring from the factories at nineteen forty two
presents, and soon you'll be able to give at Jelapia well earned rest.
With gasigan plentiful, and with new cars and new tires on the way,
America will be rolling with a pre war flourish Yes Cars, Radio's vacuum Cleaners,
Nylon's juicy Stakes. It sounds almost like a dream. I'm in Hurli.
He join me next time. The World War Two Chronicles. World War
Two Chronicles was produced by the American Veterans Center and Radio America in cooperation with
the National Archives. To listen to more episodes, subscribe on iTunes, or
visit American Veterans Center dot org. We need your help to keep the legacy
of our World War Two generation alive. Visit American Veterans Center dot org to
make a donation to support World War Two Chronicles and the ongoing work of the
American Veterans Center.