Williamsport Sun
May 8, 1945

Entirely lacking in the fanfare and excitement which greeted Armistice Day in 1918, tempered by the realization that America will have a war with Japan to win, and made solemn by the knowledge that hostilities to this date have claimed hundreds of the city’s finest young men, Williamsport today, marked its observance of V-E Day. 

More solemn than spirited, the local observance began with a short parade at 11 o’clock. This was followed with prayers and religious devotions at the Pine Street Methodist Church where 2,000 people assembled.

Despite the inclement weather, thousands of spectators, most of them workers leaving closed plants and stores, lined the streets of the business district streets as the short parade made its way from Market Street to Hepburn, Fourth Street and thence to the front of City Hall. 

After 40 months of waiting for a victory left this city with pent-up emotions which the local populace had been waiting to express for more than a week.

Factories, stores, business places, offices and taprooms closed shortly after President Truman addressed the nation by proclamation at 9 a.m.

Uncertainty prevailed amid the rain whether or not to conduct the parade. Finally, at 11 o’clock led by the Howard W. Kahler Post 844 VFW colors, the parade moved. The only musical organization which marched was the Kahler Post drum and bugle corps.

The Aviation Company band and the Williamsport High School band gathered at City Hall and filed into the Pine Street Methodist Church, where hundreds of the city’s citizens had gathered to worship.

Schools of the city joined in the community’s celebration. Principals of the various buildings conducted which explained and emphasized the significance of V-E. Day.