TODAY IN HISTORY: V-J DAY

Yesterday, September 1st, marked the beginning of World War II in 1939. Today, September 2d, marks the end six years later.

When: On this day in 1945, Japan surrendered, "formally and unconditionally," in a ceremony aboard the U.S.S. Missouri.

What: In the 20 minute ceremony, twelve signatures were required to end the bloody Pacific conflict, begun when Japan attacked Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941. As the ceremony ended, the AP report read,

the sun burst through low-hanging clouds as a...