U.S. Navy Department (May 8, 1945)
Statement to the Men of the U.S. Navy and Army by the Secretary of the Navy
For Immediate Release
May 8, 1945
You and your Allies have won a great victory. The price was high; it has been won by determination, sacrifice and blood. With this victory you have won something more: the admiration and gratitude of America and the world.
The task has now been half accomplished. Another powerful enemy remains. It will require all our resolution and fortitude to destroy him. Only by so doing can we keep faith with those who have fallen. Let us now go forward to speedy and complete victory in the Pacific.