Tues Aug 14, 1945

The war is over! News came through at 6:00 p.m. Duane & John Rucker came down. Went to town. Everyone celebrating. I've never seen anything like it - the crowds & the noise. It's all so wonderful! I get a lump in my throat every time I think about it. Got Jackie's picture for Mrs. Wallace. Talked to Evelyn, Marsh and Helen Crabtree. Mother & Charles' wedding anniversary. Duane didn't feel very good. Went to last show. Saw "It's a Pleasure". Grand. At Mother's till eve.

{ From online:

Emperor Hirohito announces the Japan defeat to his people. Japan accepts an unconditional surrender. The fear of more atomic weapon attacks and the certainty of land defeat by the Soviets have combined to secure the complete surrender. }

Thurs Aug 9, 1945

Felt bad this morn. Tummy-ache. Gen & I slept at noon. Felt better. Duane & I to Argenta this eve. Talked to lot of kids. Then had to talk about going to Chicago, of course. Duane and I had quite a talk about John R. He isn't sure he wants to farm. Had a swell eve. Went to sleep in car. In at 12:40.

{ found this online about the war:

A second atomic bomb is dropped, this time on Nagasaki. This one is more sophisticated but has a slightly less damaging impact. Even 50, 40,000 people are killed and the same immediacy of carnage is evident. President Truman announces that more bombs will follow if the Potsdam Declaration is not accepted though, in fact, he hasn't any more to use. The Japanese Supreme Council convenes to agree to the Allies' demands rovided the monarchy can be allowed to survive. Hesitancy, from some of ie military, is personally dispelled by the Emperor. By now the Soviets have followed up their declaration of war by massing to move against the Japanese forces in Manchuria. More air and sea bombardment of Japanese islands and the mainland ikes place. }