One morning in early September, Mrs. Carter wrote three letters on the board: V-J.
“Does anyone know what these letters stand for?” she asked.
“Video games?” guessed Jordan.
“Very juicy?” giggled Emma.
Cal raised his hand slowly. “I think it has something to do with history.”
Mrs. Carter smiled. “Good guess, Cal. V-J stands for Victory over Japan. National V-J Day remembers the end of World War II in 1945, when Japan surrendered and peace finally returned after years of fighting.”
She showed the class a famous photograph of people celebrating in New York City’s Times Square. “When the news came, people filled the streets, hugging, dancing, cheering, and even crying with relief. Families who had been apart for so long knew their loved ones would be coming home.”
Emma tilted her head. “So, it was like the whole country had a big party?”
“Yes,” Mrs. Carter said. “But it was more than just a celebration. It was also a time to honor the bravery of the soldiers, nurses, and workers on the home front who helped win the war. And it was a time to hope for lasting peace.”
Cal thought about it for a moment. “So V-J Day isn’t just about winning a war—it’s about remembering the people who worked and sacrificed to make peace possible.”
“Exactly,” said Mrs. Carter. “When we remember V-J Day, we don’t just celebrate victory. We also remind ourselves how precious peace is, and why we should always try to protect it.”
The bell rang, but before anyone left, Mrs. Carter asked, “How would you celebrate peace today? What could you do to honor those who worked for it?”
As Cal walked out, he imagined what he might write on a banner if he were in Times Square in 1945. He knew exactly what it would say: ‘Thank you for peace.’
✏️ V-J Day Writing Prompt
- Imagine you were standing in Times Square on V-J Day in 1945 when the announcement was made that World War II had ended.
- What sounds would you hear?
- What sights would you see?
- How would you feel?
- Write a paragraph describing your experience as if you were really there.
💡 Extra Challenge: Think about today. What is one small way you could help bring more peace to your school, your family, or your community? Write your idea at the end of your story.