FDR and V-E Day

Above, FDR 1944.

Last night, the Library participated in a White House Historical Association program focused on FDR and V-E Day. Victory in Europe Day isn’t often discussed in detail here at the Library. We leave that day to the Truman Library. But FDR played a major role in shaping V-E Day and the way in which the country would celebrate the victory over Germany and European fascism; honor those who had given their life in service to this country; and recommit to winning through to ultimate victory against Japan.

Above: Archibald MacLeish Draft of V-E Day Proclamation, 1944.

In late summer 1944, Librarian of Congress Archibald MacLeish drafted a Presidential proclamation to be issued by FDR on V-E Day. Originally titled “Days of Prayer and Reflection,” the President envisioned a day on which everyone rededicated themselves to the cause of democracy, each according to their faith or conscience, and reverently observe and celebrate the victory and the strength of the ideals upon which this nation was built.

The proclamation reached final form and was ready for issuance by the fall of 1944 since the collapse of German could occur at any time. Unfortunately, the Nazis were not finished with their wanton destruction and murder and the war dragged into 1945. But victory would be the Allies and by mid-April intelligence reports and war reporting brought daily news of advances by Allied forces along every front in Europe. Two radio programs were also proposed for V-E Day.

Above, Memos regarding V-E Day radio programs, 1945.

Office of War Mobilization director James Byrnes had recommended two live radio broadcasts with military leaders and Allies to mark the day. As late as April 11, one day before the President’s death, his aide Jonathan Daniels was attempting to get clarification about preparedness for the broadcasts or whether the President himself had approved and was ready for them. This exchange highlights how quickly events were unfolding and the building tension about when V-E Day would finally come.

Of course, the President died on April 12th. President Truman assumed the Presidency at this pivotal time in world history and ably and successfully prosecuted the war. Though reworked, with some of its more dramatic language eliminated, President Truman issued a proclamation calling for a day or prayer. Though spontaneous celebrations erupted across the United States, the American people remained committed to the task at hand, and Japan’s ultimate defeat came only three months later.

Above, ceremonial copy of President Truman’s proclamation, 1945.