War Over - Left Column
MESSAGE FROM THE SECRETARY OF NAVY
The following message was read to all hands at 0900, Tokyo time, 15 August by Captain Hickey. This
was the first official word of the victory passed aboard the Hancock.
All hands of the United States Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard may take satisfaction in the conclusion of the
war against Japan and pride in the part played by them in accomplishing that result.
The demobilization of the armed forces of the United States and the return to conditions of peace will create problems
taxing patience almost as great as the tensions of war.
I ask that the discipline which has served so well to bring this democracy through the great crisis be maintained
to the end that nothing shall mar the record of the accomplishment and the glory that now belongs to the Navy,
Marine Corps and the Coast Guard.
Secretary of the Navy
Later Chaplain Parker and Chaplain Doyle led the entire crew in a prayer of thanksgiving for the victory and a
prayer for all those who have given their lives that this day might be possible.