Identity elements
Reference code
Name and location of repository
Level of description
Item
Title
D20009-28
Date(s)
- 1945-08-15 (Creation)
Extent
Name of creator
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On Wednesday, August 15, 1945, thousands of Tacomans thronged the streets to officially celebrate the end of the war in the Pacific with a parade. The hastily organized event featured over 2,000 participants and several bands, including those from Fort Lewis and McChord Air Base. Marching groups on the 18-block parade route included men and women representing every branch of the service, veterans organizations, shipyard and defense workers, fraternal lodges and Boy Scouts. Confetti rained down upon parade participants from the office buildings on Pacific Avenue. The streets were already littered with tons of paper from the Tuesday night impromptu celebrating of the war's end when downtown streets were jammed with cars and pedestrians. August 15 and 16 were proclaimed holidays with city, county and federal offices closed as well as most businesses. (T. Times 8/15/1945, pg. 1-various photographs & article; T. Times 8-16-45-various photographs & article)
Victory celebrations--Tacoma--1940-1950; Parades & processions--Tacoma--1940-1950; Military bands;