VJ Day 70th Anniversary Celebration
Kiss Me Once Again
“The war situation has developed not necessarily to Japan’s advantage.”
With these words, in perhaps the understatement of the twentieth century, Emperor Hirohito of Japan announced his nation’s unconditional surrender to allied forces, marking the end of the greatest conflict the world has ever known.
What followed were two days of massive celebrations around the globe. Of all the photographs taken during these heady times, none is more emblematic of the jubilation than the image of a sailor embracing an unsuspecting nearby nurse in the pandemonium of New York’s Times Square.
The Michigan WWII Legacy Memorial invites you to relive the glory of these days on Sunday, August 16, 2015, from 1:00 to 4:00, at the future home of The Michigan WWII Legacy Memorial, Memorial Park, Woodward Avenue at 13 Mile Road, Royal Oak, Michigan.
Please note that this is the AFTER the Woodward Dream Cruise.
This event is free and open to the public.
Hosted by US Air Force veteran and Fox 2 Detroit Chief Meteorologist Rich Luterman, the festivities will include swing music from The Masters of Music Big Band, a flyover from The Tuskegee National Airman Museum’s “Pilot Maker” T-6 training plane flying in formation with three motorgliders from Team Tuskegee, color guard presentation from Berkley American Legion Post 374, the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 255, the Windsor Veterans Memorial Services Committee, a musical salute to the military branches, the National Anthem sung by WWII veteran Harold Lanning, historic speeches, food trucks, special guests, VJ Day 70th Anniversary Victory Medal Pins, hats, t-shirts and much more. Keep checking back for more details as they become available.
The tentative schedule is as follows, please check back for updates and further details:
1:00 Event opens
1:30 Opening ceremonies and speeches
2:00 Musical salute to the military branches
2:15 Big Band music and swing dancing
3:00 Flyover
3:15 More Big Band music and swing dancing
4:00 Taps and farewell
Seating to be provided but please bring a lawn chair if you wish to ensure a spot.
Click here to download a promotional flyer for the event.
Click here to download a parking map.
Click here to hear an interview with Fox 2 Detroit Chief Meteorologist Rich Lutermam who is hosting the event.
We thank our sponsors:
One Star: Enlisted:
