Hillsdale College Republicans plan to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War and the veterans whose sacrifices delivered victory at a V-J Day ceremony.

Victory over Japan Day, or V-J Day, celebrates the Japanese surrender that officially ended World War II.

The College Republicans will distribute professionally made booklets that include the names and photos of veterans connected to the college, including students’ family members and alumni. The ceremony will be held Sept. 2 at 6 p.m. in the Hoynak Room. 

College Republicans collected nearly 200 names from students and identified 900 former Hillsdale College students who served, according to College Republicans President and junior Josiah Jones.

“We wanted to make it personal for the Hillsdale community, to help them understand that it is their victory that is being celebrated,” Jones said. “That’s how we got the idea to especially honor the veterans that are in our own families.”

The V-J Day event will include a Civil Air Patrol color guard, music, and guest speakers, including Professor Emeritus of History and Social Sciences Thomas Conner, and Director of the Center for Military History and Assistant Professor of History Jason Gehrke.

Hillsdale CAP Composite Squadron Commander Cassie Hambleton said Associate Dean of Men Jeffery “Chief” Rogers invited cadets from the squadron to present the flag at the ceremony and all 34 cadets were encouraged to attend the ceremony.

“This opportunity will give them the chance to connect with that part of America’s history and come to a deeper appreciation than they already hold for our veterans and the sacrifices those veterans and those who died made to keep our country safe,” Hambleton said.