Original mimeographed White House press release, one page, 8 x 14, containing the text of President Harry S. Truman's proclamation issued on V-E Day, May 8, 1945. Headed "Hold For Release," the document begins: "The following address of the President, to be broadcast in connection with the surrender of Germany, must be held in confidence until the delivery of the address has begun." It contains the address given by President Truman, followed by the text of his formal proclamation of victory. The speech begins: "This is a solemn but a glorious hour. I only wish that Franklin D. Roosevelt had lived to witness this day. General Eisenhower informs me that the forces of Germany have surrendered to the United Nations. The flags of freedom fly over all Europe.
For this victory, we join in offering our thanks to the Providence which has guided and sustained us through the dark days of adversity.
Our rejoicing is sobered and subdued by a supreme consciousness of the terrible price we have paid to rid the world of Hitler and his evil band. Let us not forget, my fellow Americans, the sorrow and the heartache which today abide in the homes of so many of our neighbors-neighbors whose most priceless possession has been rendered as a sacrifice to redeem our liberty...
We must work to finish the war. Our victory is but half-won. The West is free, but the East is still in bondage to the treacherous tyranny of the Japanese. When the last Japanese division has surrendered unconditionally, then only will our fighting job be done." In fine condition, with a slightly rough left edge.
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