Happy Friday! And if you are in the Netherlands, New Zealand, South Korea, Canada, or the United Kingdom, Happy V-J Day!
August 15, 2025, marks the official 80-year commemoration for these countries. On August 15, 1945, local time, Emperor Hirohito of Japan broadcast on Radio Tokyo the surrender of the Japanese people, marking a ceasefire that led to the end of World War II. Because of time zone differences, there are some countries that heard the announcement on August 14, 1945, and use that date to commemorate. That was also the date that this iconic photo was taken in Times Square, New York:
Here in the U.S., we officially mark V-J Day on September 2, 1945. Why? Because this date was when the formal signing of the Instrument of Surrender took place aboard the USS Missouri in Japan’s Tokyo Bay. As a history geek and a writer, I delight in these distinctions. But for two United States Navy veterans who served together in World War II, August 15, 2025, is doubly distinctive: It is also the day they celebrate their 80th wedding anniversary.
There are fewer and fewer of the Greatest Generation around to celebrate, so this faithful and honorable couple gets the Feel-Good Friday treatment this week.
Read More: A D-Day Letter From a GI to His Bride Highlights the Resilience of the Greatest Generation
81 Years Ago Today, 'Toxic Masculinity' Came Ashore in France to Save Europe From Hitler
Ellie Williams served during World War II as part of the Navy WAVES, working as a Yeoman Secretary. Lieutenant Ray Williams served as an Aviation Radio Technician and saw combat aboard the aircraft carrier USS Cowpens, a storied carrier that was a part of the Fast Carrier Task Forces of the Pacific Fleet.
Ray was then transferred to the Naval Air Technical Training Center in Gainesville, GA, where he met Ellie. After a four-month courtship, the two decided to get married. So, they randomly chose the date of August 15, 1945, and the ceremony was performed at the First Baptist Church of Gainsville.
When the Williamses learned that Emperor Hirohito had surrendered, it made for a day of double happiness, not just for them, but for the entire world. The couple settled in Blairsville, GA, where they raised three children and welcomed several grandchildren.
In 2015, Ray and Ellie were selected to represent the Greatest Generation for a commemorative V-J Day international event sponsored by The Spirit of '45 organization. That year also happened to be their 70th wedding anniversary! The couple recreated the iconic kiss above (minus the dip), and Ray was part of the wreath-laying ceremonies in the United States, laying a commemorative wreath in New York's Battery Park.
Ten years later, Ray, 101, and Ellie, 100, celebrate 80 years together--a beautiful and incredible milestone. Ray and Ellie now live at the Wellstar's Atherton Place in Murrietta, GA, and the assisted living center hosted a V-J Day ceremony on Friday, as well as a ceremony to celebrate Ray and Ellie's 80 years of fidelity, friendship, and commitment. Such a beautiful testament of going the distance. And they are still going.
Fox News' "America Reports" featured Ray and Ellie Williams on their program this morning. They are as precious as they are inspirational. American heroes and American sweethearts, all in one package.
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