Truman Announces Japan Surrender: Middleboro Celebrates

August 15, 1945

……………………………..MIDDLEBORO:- President Truman’s official announcement that the government of

Japan had surrendered unconditionally to the United Nations had not been concluded when

Middleboro exploded into exuberant celebrations of the great victory.

……….The official announcement that Japan had surrendered came at 7 p.m. from Washington and

London.

………..At three minutes after seven, the fire whistles blasted out the news with 10 blows and

the church bells pealed in rejoicing. The citizens flocked into the streets. At 7:15 the fire

whistles sounded the call for the State Guard.

…………Legionnaires headed by Commander Edward B. C. Bailey with the national and Legion colors

started an impromptu parade through the center streets.

…………An hour later, band members of Memorial High School assembled at the town house with their

instruments but less uniforms. Legionnaires and other citizens paraded up Center Street, up

and down, out South Main and back again until breath and legs gave out.

…………Confetti, torn paper, remains from fire crackers littered the streets, Cars, some

decorated, some dragging cans, and many filled to capacity roamed the streets, following the

paraders.

…………Chief of Police Sisson called 12 regular, reserve and special police for duty. And, at his

request,Captain Tessier assigned 12 members of the State Guard to the guard the carnival

grounds. The Chief had requested the carnival remain closed for the night.

……….. In announcing the surrender of Japan, President Truman proclaimed a two- day Federal

legal holiday………………………..(Compiled by Bob Lessard Historian 2014.)