“We may allow ourselves a brief period of rejoicing, but let us not forget for a moment the toils and efforts that lie ahead. Japan, with all her treachery and greed, remains unsubdued. … We must now devote all our strength and resources to the completion of our tasks both at home and abroad. Long live the cause of freedom! God save the King!”

Offering those words 75 years ago today, Prime Minister Winston Churchill saluted his people. Nazi Germany had surrendered; Europe was finally to be at peace. Fortunately, an invasion wouldn’t be necessary to end imperial Japan. A few months later, a new weapon would bring a final end to the Axis powers.