It is 75 years ago today that Japan surrendered in the Second World War. It marked the end of the global conflict which had been waged from 1939 to 1945.
It was the day when Wearsiders finally knew that peace had returned.
They gathered in their thousands to hear the official declaration of peace as The Mayor Coun. John Young addressed the people of Sunderland from the balcony of the Town Hall.
Elsewhere, people gathered in streets and parks as they joined their neighbours for a momentous occasion.
Take a look at these historic photos from the Sunderland Echo archives.
5. The joy is there to see
They had gone through long hard years of war and the relief is etched on their faces. Photo: SE
7. Keen to be in the picture
It is the middle of the night but these people were keen to show their appreciation for the end of the war. Photo: SE
8. Local heroes
Every one of them a hero. All of these were Sunderland men who were the last of the servicemen to reach home. Some were in prisoner of war camps and were only released after VJ Day. They were all given a civic reception in 1945. Photo: SE