75 years ago: How Indiana observed V-E Day
On May 7, 1945, newspapers across the world heralded the end of hostilities in Europe with the unconditional surrender of the unified armed forces of Nazi Germany. May 8 was designated as V-E Day.
It was a heady time for the allied nations. Just days earlier newspapers had announced the suicides of Hermann Goering, Joseph Goebbels and the Fuehrer himself, Adolf Hitler. The steady decline of the Axis powers had begun.
This year marks the 75th anniversary of Victory in Europe. How did Indiana and Indianapolis react to the news? V-E Day was generally observed with quiet elation in stark contrast to Armistice Day in 1918.
One down, one to go
V-E Day was generally somber in Indianapolis, where Hoosiers were aware the job was not yet finished. Though, office workers in the Century and Citizens Gas and Coke Utility buildings at Pennsylvania and Maryland streets did litter the streets and sidewalks with confetti and paper tape thrown from their buildings.
Several days after the victory in Europe was announced, nearly 10,000 citizens gathered at Monument Circle for a War Bond Rally and V-E Day celebration. Indiana Gov. Ralph F. Gates told the crowd, “Our men in Europe won the greatest victory in the history of the world because they never quit. We must be ready to match their victory with achievement here at home.”
The governor also called on Hoosiers to observe the victory “in a quiet and thoughtful manner." Indiana seemed to take that to heart.
The North American War mothers and the Indiana V-E Day committee held tributes to motherhood in a joint ceremony on Mother's Day at the Indiana World War Memorial on May 13, 1945. A special prayer was said for the mothers who lost sons in the war and for the mothers whose sons were still fighting in the Pacific theater.
Three months prior to the end of the war in Europe, cities in the U.S. were under a brownout order in which shop windows were dark and theater marquees and outdoor advertising signs were turned off.
As soon as brownout warnings were lifted in Indianapolis, two powerful searchlights atop the now-demolished Indianapolis Star building at 307 N. Pennsylvania St. crossed streams to form the V for victory. Businesses across Indianapolis turned on their lights in celebration.
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In Greenwood, the high school band led a wild procession through the streets as all classes were dismissed.
In Noblesville, taverns were closed and churches were open. Companies that were dedicated to the war effort remained on the job while other companies closed up shop to be with their families.
Factories across Seymour began to blow their whistles, and church bells rang throughout the city.
Sirens at fire stations across Lafayette sounded as bells at churches rang out.
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In South Bend, Notre Dame students and faculty gathered for V-E observance in front of Rockne Memorial Hall and listened to the radio proclamation by President Harry S. Truman. Then many attended a Mass in Sacred Heart Roman Catholic church on campus.
“Our blows will continue until the Japanese lay down their arms in unconditional surrender,” President Truman said in his address. In rejoicing in victory, the president asked the nation not to forget that “sorrow and heartache abide in the homes of thousands of Americans.”