Then & Now
by Highlands Historian Stella Bailey
World War II officially ended September 1945 which makes 2020 the 75th anniversary of that event.
Events had taken place very quickly after President Harry S. Truman authorized the dropping of the atom bomb ‘Little Boy’ on Hiroshima, August 6, 1945. Three days later, August 9, 1945 another bomb, ‘Fat Man’, was dropped on Nagasaki. After another six days the Japanese government made the wise decision to surrender, officially signing the documents on September second. A great tragedy for all nations, named “V-J Day” for “Victory Over Japan”.
The end of a bloody war with more than 400,000 Americans killed and other casualties too numerous to mention. Shiploads of veterans going to Japan were able to now turn back. Returning veterans would now be able to see their families and children would see fathers for the first time. The advent of “baby boomers” and the nuclear age. The rationing of food and gasoline would end. Americans all over the world began immediate celebrations in many different ways. Conga lines in Times Square, singing and dancing in the streets. Great jubilation by everyone and rightly so. Remember that famous photo of the sailor kissing the girl in Times Square? Later identified as Greta Friedman and George Medonsa with Greta explaining “It wasn’t a romantic event, it was just celebrating.”
There are many events planned to celebrate this anniversary but they may be curtailed due to the Virus. If you are a computer user you can tune in to learn just what may take place.
Here in the Village and Town of Highlands the local newspaper came out on Sept. 6th. A V-J Day Parade acclaimed as the largest ever held, had already taken place with then Mayor John J. Walsh thanking Bill Odell for the use of his garage and Max Weiner for use of his property and the donation of buses. The Fort Firemen held their 11th Annual Fyer Fyters Frolic making $1200 profit. A funny comment that General MacArthur did not know about the Fort Frolic or else he might have held off on the signing of the documents for another day! Staff Sgt. James Donnery was scheduled to return to the states to his mom, Mary. Brother Peter was stationed in Panama; brother Ed in Virginia. All would soon be reunited!
If you wish to see the list of Highlands veterans who served, the Historical Society has wonderful Veteran’s Boards to view and many veteran’s pictures displayed as well. If you have a family member who served at any time, you are welcome to submit a photo and it will be added to the display.
