75 years ago today, aboard the USS Missouri, Japan signed the surrender documents that officially ended World War II. This incredible photo is of US planes overflying the ship in celebration.

Over 78 million humans lost their lives in the massive conflict against fascism, tyranny, racial supremacy doctrine, and totalitarianism. And it is very important that we do not forget both what the fight was for, and what was forged in the aftermath.

Although far from perfect, the end of the war ushered in a new era in which most nations at least attempted an unprecedented level of international cooperation, with specific goals in mind, made clear by the UN charter.

Nations around the world wanted the new, post-WW2 era to strive: "to reaffirm faith in fundamental human rights, in the dignity and worth of the human person, in the equal rights of men and women and of nations large and small, and..."

"...to promote social progress and better standards of life in larger freedom... to practice tolerance and live together in peace with one another as good neighbours..."

That, to me, is the true legacy of WW2. Not displays of military might or heroism, important as they may be, but the deep desire to create a world where human rights, dignity, tolerance, social progress, and freedom are extended to all humans. That's what this day means to me.