Legal basis, declaration, and intent
- The President issues the proclamation to commemorate the Allied victory following the unconditional surrender of Japan.
- The proclamation frames Japan’s defeat as the end of the war and as the start of a new era of world peace.
- The proclamation states that the observance is fitting to express gratitude to the Supreme Ruler of the Universe.
- The proclamation calls for prayer to preserve moral strength, recognize victory, and guide nations toward peace, security, and righteousness.
Scope: who must observe
- The proclamation calls upon the people of the Philippines of all faiths to pray.
- The proclamation treats observance as a national act of gratitude and remembrance.
- The proclamation ties observance to the proper commemoration of the Allied victory.
What the public must do
- The proclamation establishes Sunday, August 26, 1945 as a day of prayer for the proper observance of the great Allied victory.
- The proclamation calls for prayers in eternal gratitude to God.
- The proclamation calls for prayers for peace, security, and righteousness.
- The proclamation directs that prayers include guidance for the victorious nations into the paths of peace.
Prayer themes and commemorative purpose
- The proclamation specifies prayer for preserving the moral strength of the people through the years of suffering.
- The proclamation requires that the day includes gratitude for the victory that will bring about a new world order of peace.
- The proclamation directs prayers for guidance so that victorious nations follow paths of peace.
- The proclamation calls for dedication of the day to the memory of those who have fallen to make possible the total victory being celebrated.
Formal execution and ceremonial terms
- The proclamation is executed with the President’s hand and the seal of the Commonwealth of the Philippines affixed.
- The proclamation is attested through the Secretary to the President, Jose S. Reyes.
- The proclamation is issued from the City of Manila on August 21, 1945.