Navy Veterans Who Married on V-J Day Celebrate

Happy Friday! And if you’re in the Netherlands, New Zealand, South Korea, Canada, or the United Kingdom, Happy V-J Day! 

August 15, 2025, marks the official 80-year commemoration for these nations. On August 15, 1945, local time, Emperor Hirohito of Japan broadcast on Radio Tokyo the give up of the Japanese people, marking a ceasefire that led to the end of World War II. Because of time zone variations, there are some nations that heard the announcement on August 14, 1945, and use that date to commemorate. That was also the date that this iconic photograph was taken in Times Square, New York:

August 14, 1945: V-J Day in Times Square. Photo by Alfred Eisenstaedt for LIFE. #VJDay #historical past pic.twitter.com/NHYQzLrxHY

— American History (@TodayInAmHist) August 14, 2017

Here in the U.S., we formally mark V-J Day on September 2, 1945. Why? Because this date was when the formal signing of the Instrument of Surrender befell aboard the USS Missouri in Japan’s Tokyo Bay. As a historical past geek and a author, I delight in these distinctions. But for two United States Navy veterans who served together in World War II, August 15, 2025, is doubly distinctive: It is also the day they rejoice their eightieth wedding ceremony anniversary.

There are fewer and fewer of the Greatest Generation around to rejoice, so this trustworthy and honorable couple will get the Feel-Good Friday treatment this week. 

Read More: A D-Day Letter From a GI to His Bride Highlights the Resilience of the Greatest Generation

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Ellie Williams served during World War II as half of the Navy WAVES, working as a Yeoman Secretary. Lieutenant Ray Williams served as an Aviation Radio Technician and noticed fight aboard the plane service USS Cowpens, a storied service that was a half of the Fast Carrier Task Forces of the Pacific Fleet.

Ray was then transferred to the Naval Air Technical Training Center in Gainesville, GA, where he met Ellie. After a four-month courtship, the 2 determined to get married. So, they randomly selected the date of August 15, 1945, and the ceremony was carried out at the First Baptist Church of Gainsville.

When the Williamses realized that Emperor Hirohito had surrendered, it made for a day of double happiness, not just for them, but for the complete world. The couple settled in Blairsville, GA, where they raised three youngsters and welcomed a number of grandchildren.

In 2015, Ray and Ellie have been chosen to characterize the Greatest Generation for a commemorative V-J Day worldwide event sponsored by The Spirit of ’45 group. That yr also occurred to be their seventieth wedding ceremony anniversary! The couple recreated the long-lasting kiss above (minus the dip), and Ray was half of the wreath-laying ceremonies in the United States, laying a commemorative wreath in New York’s Battery Park. 

Ten years later, Ray, 101, and Ellie, 100, rejoice 80 years together–a stunning and unimaginable milestone. Ray and Ellie now live at the Wellstar’s Atherton Place in Murrietta, GA, and the assisted dwelling heart hosted a V-J Day ceremony on Friday, as properly as a ceremony to rejoice Ray and Ellie’s 80 years of constancy, friendship, and dedication. Such a stunning testomony of going the gap. And they’re still going.

Ray & Ellie Williams, U.S. Navy veterans, are celebrating 80 years of marriage! Now 101 and almost 100, their love and devotion continue to inspire at Wellstar’s Atherton Place. @FoxNews shared their story: https://t.co/17Zg1DM9tP.

— Wellstar Health System (@WellstarHealth) August 15, 2025

Fox News’ “America Reports” featured Ray and Ellie Williams on their program this morning. They are as treasured as they’re inspirational. American heroes and American sweethearts, all in one package deal.

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