What Day Is August 15? V-J Day, India Independence, Assumption of Mary
August 15 is the 227th day of the year. In 1945, Emperor Hirohito's surrender broadcast marked V-J Day, ending WWII in the Pacific. In 1947, India declared independence from Britain. The Catholic and Orthodox churches celebrate the Assumption of Mary.
About August 15
August 15 is the 227th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar (228th in a leap year). There are 138 days remaining until the end of the year.
The significance of August 15
Three events of enormous scale share this date. At noon Japan time on August 15, 1945, the Gyokuon-hōsō was broadcast: Emperor Hirohito’s recorded voice announcing Japan’s surrender, marking V-J Day and the end of World War II in the Pacific. At midnight on August 15, 1947, India became independent from Britain. Jawaharlal Nehru told the Constituent Assembly: “At the stroke of the midnight hour, when the world sleeps, India will awake to life and freedom.” The Assumption of the Virgin Mary is also celebrated on August 15, a feast kept by Catholics, Orthodox, and many Anglicans, marking the belief that Mary was taken body and soul into heaven at the end of her earthly life.
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On This Day in History
- 1945Emperor Hirohito's radio address (the Gyokuon-hōsō, recorded August 14) was broadcast at noon Japan time, announcing Japan's surrender — V-J Day, the end of World War II in the Pacific.
- 1947India declared independence from Britain at midnight. Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru delivered his 'Tryst with Destiny' speech to the Constituent Assembly, one of the most famous speeches of the 20th century.
Baby Names for This Day
August 15 marks the Assumption of Mary, V-J Day, and India's independence. Names connected to these themes:
- MaryGirl
The Assumption of the Virgin Mary is observed on August 15; Mary is the most widely used female name in Christian tradition.
- NehruBoy
Jawaharlal Nehru delivered the 'Tryst with Destiny' speech as India became independent on August 15, 1947.
- IndiaGirl
India's Independence Day is August 15; the name has been used in English-speaking countries since the 19th century.
- AuroraGirl
'Dawn'; Nehru's speech spoke of India 'awakening to life and freedom' — dawn is the natural metaphor.
- AssuntaGirl
Italian form from the Latin Assumpta ('she who was assumed'); traditional name for girls born on or near August 15.
- VictoriaGirl
'Victory'; V-J Day was the victory that ended the Second World War.
Frequently Asked Questions
What day is August 15?add
August 15 is V-J Day (Japan's surrender broadcast, 1945), India's Independence Day (1947), and the feast of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary. The 227th day of the year.
What number day of the year is August 15?add
August 15 is the 227th day of the year, or the 228th in a leap year, with 138 days remaining.
What zodiac sign is August 15?add
August 15 is Leo, which runs from July 23 to August 22.