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Japanese Imperial Headquarters representative General Yoshijiro Umezu signing the Japanese Instrument of Surrender while Gen. Douglas MacArthur watches aboard the USS Missouri, Tokyo Bay. (Archive Photos / Getty Images)

MacArthur Highlighted the Spiritual Lesson WWII Taught, As Japan Surrendered to Allies 80 Years Ago

By Randy DeSoto August 30, 2025 at 6:00am

Sept. 2, 1945, marked the official end of World War II with the surrender of the Japanese on board the USS Missouri in Tokyo Harbor 80 years ago.

The war for the United States had begun on Dec. 7, 1941, with the Japanese bombing of Pearl Harbor.

Nearly four years of terrible fighting followed, but by the summer of 1945, the U.S. and its allies stood on the doorstep of Japan’s most populous islands of Kyushu and Honshu, where Tokyo is located, having conquered Okinawa, the southernmost of the five main islands.

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Randy DeSoto

Contributing Journalist

SummaryMore Biographical InformationRecent PostsContact

Randy DeSoto has written more than 4,000 articles for The Western Journal since he began with the company in 2015. He is a graduate of West Point and Regent University School of Law. He is the author of the book "We Hold These Truths" and screenwriter of the political documentary "I Want Your Money."

@RandyDeSoto

Randy DeSoto wrote and was the assistant producer of the documentary film "I Want Your Money" about the perils of Big Government, comparing the presidencies of Ronald Reagan and Barack Obama. Randy is the author of the book "We Hold These Truths," which addresses how leaders have appealed to beliefs found in the Declaration of Independence at defining moments in our nation's history. He has been published in several political sites and newspapers.

Randy graduated from the United States Military Academy at West Point with a BS in political science and Regent University School of Law with a juris doctorate.

Birthplace

Harrisburg, Pennsylvania

Nationality

American

Honors/Awards

Graduated dean's list from West Point

Education

United States Military Academy at West Point, Regent University School of Law

Books Written

We Hold These Truths

Professional Memberships

Virginia and Pennsylvania state bars