Witness to History: The End of World War II

This year marks the 70th anniversary of the end of the Second World War. It is estimated that worldwide 60 million people—military and civilian—died in the war.

In this clip, recorded as part of the Veterans History Project, Bud, a supply officer on the USS Sherburne, shares his emotions as he witnessed the surrender ceremony in Tokyo harbor on September 2, 1945, officially ending World War II.

Most World War II veterans are in their nineties, and nearly 500 die each day. Before the “Greatest Generation” is gone forever, we have a brief opportunity to capture their stories.

If you have a family member who served during the war—veteran or civilian, male or female—we would be honored to help you record their stories. Call (617) 755-3283 or email us for a free consultation.