Gabriel Heatter 45-05-08 - The Nazis Have Just Surrendered

Summary

Podcast Summary: Harold's Old Time Radio

Episode: Gabriel Heatter 45-05-08 - The Nazis Have Just Surrendered
Release Date: April 12, 2025

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1. Introduction to VE Day Announcements

The episode opens with Gabriel Heatter delivering the latest news on the historic conclusion of World War II. Heatter sets the stage by announcing the official surrender of Nazi Germany, marking the end of a tumultuous era.

“Russia proclaims tomorrow as VE Day. The Russian people were told tonight for the first time of Germany's unconditional surrender.”
— Unknown News Anchor [00:36]

2. The Surrender Details and Immediate Reactions

Heatter delves into the specifics of the surrender, highlighting the key figures involved and the ratification of General Eisenhower's terms in Berlin. The broadcast captures the palpable tension that gripped the world as Russia awaited the official proclamation.

“There was some anxiety in many quarters today when 10 hours went by without any proclamation.”
— Unknown News Anchor [00:36]

The news anchor emphasizes the significance of the surrender, noting the cessation of hostilities across Europe and the collective relief felt by millions.

“And now the guns are quiet everywhere in Europe and the lights are on and the hearts of men and women are lifted in thanksgiving.”
— Unknown News Anchor [01:52]

3. Visual Symbolism of Peace

A poignant photograph accompanies the announcement, depicting a woman warden rescuing a child amidst the devastation of a London bombing. This image becomes a powerful symbol of the human cost of war and the yearning for peace.

“This picture tells us much. It tells us children were on the front line.”
— Unknown News Anchor [02:40]

4. Forecasting the End of the War Against Japan

Heatter transitions to the anticipated final phases of the war against Japan, projecting a swift end under President Truman's leadership.

“For the power now released for the grand assault on The Jap is staggering in weight beyond all human imagination.”
— Unknown News Anchor [03:03]

He discusses the immense military resources poised for the assault, reflecting on the rapid mobilization and the expected conclusion of hostilities within a year.

5. The Fate of Nazi Prisoners and Victory Equipment

The broadcast covers the disposition of Nazi prisoners and war equipment, indicating a shift towards demilitarization and reconciliation.

“No more Nazi prisoners are to be brought here except any who are now en route.”
— Unknown News Anchor [04:31]

“Hitler's contribution to the Defeat of Japan. 300U boats, all said to be in good shape.”
— Unknown News Anchor [04:47]

6. Reflections on the War's Impact and Sacrifices

Heatter reflects on the staggering numbers of military assets deployed during the war, underscoring the collective effort that led to victory.

“60,000 planes, 45,000 tanks. 8 million tons of shipping in a year.”
— Unknown Commentator [07:12]

He highlights the transformation of the United States into the "arsenal of democracy," emphasizing the dedication and sacrifice of free men and women.

7. The Human Element: Stories of Loss and Hope

The episode poignantly shares personal narratives, illustrating the profound loss endured by families and the resilience of the human spirit. A touching story of a man and his wife in England waiting in church for the news encapsulates the emotional gravity of VE Day.

“He said, I'll ring as I never rang before, with all my heart and all my strength until even our boy will hear it.”
— Unknown News Anchor [14:25]

8. The Mandate for Lasting Peace

Heatter concludes with a powerful message urging vigilance to sustain peace and prevent future conflicts. He emphasizes the collective responsibility to honor the sacrifices made during the war by fostering a world free from prejudice and discrimination.

“This would be the war to conquer war.”
— Unknown News Anchor [12:29]

“This is our mandate. This is keeping faith with those who kept faith with us.”
— Unknown News Anchor [15:01]

9. Closing Reflections

The episode wraps up with Heatter reiterating the significance of VE Day, celebrating the hard-won peace in Europe while acknowledging the ongoing struggles in other theaters of war. He calls for unity and continued commitment to peace, ensuring that the lessons of the past guide future generations.

“Peace in Europe.”
— Unknown News Anchor [06:10]

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Key Takeaways:

• Historical Milestone: The official surrender of Nazi Germany marks the end of World War II in Europe, celebrated as VE Day.

• Human Cost: The war's devastating impact on individuals and families is poignantly depicted through personal stories and powerful imagery.

• Military Mobilization: The unprecedented scale of military resources mobilized by the Allies underscores the collective effort that led to victory.

• Vision for Peace: Emphasis on the need for ongoing vigilance and unity to maintain peace and prevent future conflicts.

• Collective Responsibility: A call to honor the sacrifices made by ensuring that peace is sustained through collective action and mutual respect.

This episode of Harold's Old Time Radio not only commemorates a pivotal moment in history but also serves as a heartfelt reminder of the enduring importance of peace and unity.

Transcript

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[Gabriel Heater]

Gabriel Heater and his up to the minute news of the world presented by Forehand2Faced.

[Unknown News Anchor]

Good evening everyone. The last communique of World War II is in. Russia proclaims tomorrow as VE Day. The Russian people were told tonight for the first time of Germany's unconditional surrender. Moscow radio reports all terms laid down by General Eisenhower were ratified tonight in Berlin. Field Marshal Keitel and Admiral Friedborg signing for Germany in the presence of Lieutenant General Carl Spett, Air Chief Marshal Sara Pateda, Field Marshal Zhukov and General de Tarciny. There was some anxiety in many quarters today when 10 hours went by without any proclamation. In Moscow, Russia evidently waited for the official hour one minute past six tonight. Eastern wartime and Russia evidently waited for the ratification in Berlin for the crowning hour of German humiliation, unconditional surrender and the capital where the war was planned. And they evidently waited for the final death rattle in Dresden and Prague where the fighting came to an end but a few hours ago and surrender became.

[Unknown Commentator]

Official one hour ago.

[Unknown News Anchor]

And now the guns are quiet everywhere in Europe and the lights are on and the hearts of men and women are lifted in thanksgiving. As millions say tonight, mine eyes have.

[Unknown Commentator]

Seen the glory of the coming of the Lord. Peace in Europe. Peace in Europe. Hitler's war produced one photograph which belongs with those words. Peace in Europe.

[Unknown News Anchor]

A house in London had just been hit by a flying bomb.

[Unknown Commentator]

People were killed.

[Unknown News Anchor]

Rescue work was going on. The picture shows a woman warden carrying out a child. The child crying, pressing its cheek on the woman's helmet, clasping her neck.

[Unknown Commentator]

There's fresh blood on the woman's hand.

[Unknown News Anchor]

And the London newspaper which published that picture wrote these words. This picture tells us much. It tells us children were on the front line.

[Unknown Commentator]

It tells us it must never happen again.

[Unknown News Anchor]

The guns are silent and the lights are on.

[Unknown Commentator]

And the people know the miracle has come to pass.

[Unknown News Anchor]

Here's a forecast, my first after VE Day. Full victory over the Jap before President Truman is 62 years of age.

[Unknown Commentator]

He's 61 today.

[Unknown News Anchor]

For the power now released for the grand assault on The Jap is staggering in weight beyond all human imagination. Hardly a man alive is able to compute all that crushing might. Never has any one nation ever had to face a great an avalanche in men, planes, ships, tanks and guns and.

[Unknown Commentator]

All the weapons of war and the wrath of an outraged people.

[Unknown News Anchor]

One more year for the Jap may prove to be a long time. Am I over optimistic? Only 16 weeks ago, the Nazi had 7 or 8 million men well fed, well armed and well entrenched. Von Rundstedt counterattacked in Belgium and you and I heard people say we've lost a year. A year in supplies.

[Unknown Commentator]

A year of war. That was 16 weeks ago. And unconditional surrender was ratified tonight in Berlin.

[Unknown News Anchor]

There will be dramatic surprise in Japan as well. And reunion, reunion here at home before many people believe possible. Now here's a headline for which I've been campaigning.

[Unknown Commentator]

I and others.

[Unknown News Anchor]

No more Nazi prisoners are to be brought here except any who are now en route.

[Unknown Commentator]

Good. Use every possible inch of shipping space to furlough or discharge every man we can spare.

[Unknown News Anchor]

Here's an item for the Jap. Hitler's contribution to the Defeat of Japan. 300U boats, all said to be in good shape. Not to you. Both said to be equipped with the latest device for long journeys.

[Unknown Commentator]

They're being turned over tonight to the Allies in good shape. Here's an echo of a long, long nightmare.

[Unknown News Anchor]

Benito Mussolini's widow is a prisoner in Allied hands tonight. Well, the brownout is lifted here at home. The lights show in the Capitol building.

[Unknown Commentator]

On the dome.

[Unknown News Anchor]

And Mr. Vincent may have news tomorrow on the curfew, on the ban on horse racing on gas and other matters.

[Unknown Commentator]

Meanwhile, Hitler's nose is rubbed good and hard in the mud of humiliation.

[Unknown News Anchor]

Germany bans all. Heil Hitler. Greetings, all. Nazi salute. And the number of German prisoners in American British hands runs into so many millions it may be more than the combined total of all American and British troops on all European battlefronts. If any army has ever suffered greater.

[Unknown Commentator]

Humiliation, I'm unable to recall it.

[Unknown News Anchor]

Peace in Europe.

[Unknown Commentator]

There'll be hundreds of headlines now. All rich in human interests.

[Unknown News Anchor]

Things have come to pass which few living men thought probable. General de Gaulle with a price on his head. Shoot this man on sight, said the French quisling. Shoot this man on sight, said the Nazis.

[Unknown Commentator]

One man standing alone calling to his countrymen to realize France had only lost the battle.

[Unknown News Anchor]

Who would have said on that dark day when Hitler danced at Compiegne that de Gaulle would stand today in Notre Dame offering thanksgiving for the victory that.

[Unknown Commentator]

This one man standing alone would be the leader of his people in the great hour of victory. And the men who put a price on his head. Fugitive or prisoners.

[Unknown News Anchor]

Yes. Headlines. Rich in human interests.

[Unknown Commentator]

You remember these words. 60,000 planes, 45,000 tanks.

[Unknown News Anchor]

8 million tons of shipping in a year. In our first year of war.

[Unknown Commentator]

Here are the results. 1942, 47,000 planes.

[Unknown News Anchor]

43. 85,000 planes. 44. 96,000 planes. In ships and tanks and guns. A free people made good its goal, fulfilled its promise to become the arsenal of democracy. A day may come when some men will say, we need a strong man in America, as some men thought we.

[Unknown Commentator]

Did a few years ago. Remember those figures when it comes.

[Unknown News Anchor]

This dedication of free men and women.

[Unknown Commentator]

And free labor is a great task.

[Unknown News Anchor]

Peace in Europe.

[Unknown Commentator]

Two million men will come home within a year. In a shorter time, perhaps more than a million have come back now. Men who bled for this great day.

[Unknown News Anchor]

Even now, before the war is over, one hears of veterans who can't find jobs. Even now, one hears of employers who say, this may. This man may prove to be a liability in time. I had better drop him now. We gave our pledge. All that we are, we said. All that we can ever hope to be. For these men.

[Unknown Commentator]

It was a pledge sanctified with the youth and flower of a great people.

[Gabriel Heater]

It was a pledge we gave in.

[Unknown News Anchor]

The darkest hour our people have ever known.

[Unknown Commentator]

Let us honor it thereby honor ourselves and prove we were worthy of it.

[Unknown News Anchor]

In that same pledge we gave, we said, there will be no discrimination because of race, creed or color. We said, we fight for this. We fight to prove we can live.

[Unknown Commentator]

Without prejudice and discrimination.

[Unknown News Anchor]

Every man who fails to honor that.

[Unknown Commentator]

Pledge is fighting Hitler's war. Even now, news generally travels by wireless printing press and radio.

[Unknown News Anchor]

And it moves lightning fast. And its impact is pulpit, powerful and violent. But an older medium carried today's news.

[Unknown Commentator]

There was no impact of violence. It was a church bell. And the news it brought reached into human hearts.

[Unknown News Anchor]

I've heard people say we've always had.

[Unknown Commentator]

War and we shall always have more war.

[Unknown News Anchor]

And there just isn't anything we can do about it. And today one saw the long lines of men and women filing into houses of worship for prayer, prayer and thanksgiving. And one realized again, nothing, nothing will ever lift human hearts as high as.

[Unknown Commentator]

A bell tolling its message. In one word, peace. One had to be there to see.

[Unknown News Anchor]

It all and feel it. One had to be near the mother who fell to her knees and raised the care worn face to God.

[Unknown Commentator]

And loud enough for all who were.

[Unknown News Anchor]

Near to hear every word.

[Unknown Commentator]

It has sailed. God, I've lost one boy. Bring my second back to me.

[Unknown News Anchor]

Oh, God, I need him.

[Unknown Commentator]

So always have war because we've always had war. Because people just naturally drift from war to peace and back to war again. No, I'll never believe it.

[Unknown News Anchor]

Yes, say the people have never found.

[Unknown Commentator]

A way to conquer war.

[Unknown News Anchor]

Say the people blunder into war. Say the people are betrayed into war.

[Unknown Commentator]

Say the people want peace so much.

[Unknown News Anchor]

When it comes, we give ourselves up to it so completely, we forget all the vigilance we need not to be.

[Unknown Commentator]

Robbed of it in time. Don't say we've always had war because people want war. I've seen people in every kind of human circumstance and experience. I've seen people rescued from food, fire and flood and death itself.

[Unknown News Anchor]

I've seen a nation come out of all the desperation of hard times and.

[Unknown Commentator]

Feel the exaltation of a job and security, of the dignity it brought. But nothing in all human experience has.

[Unknown News Anchor]

Ever moved men and women as a.

[Unknown Commentator]

Bell tolling that one word, peace, as it did today. Even when peace had come only on.

[Unknown News Anchor]

One battlefield, even when millions knew it was peace only in Europe, even as millions knew all the peril and grief waiting on other fields of battle, Even as millions knew peace in Europe was only a brief flash of light in a long night, the people knew millions in Europe were homeless and faced famine and disease and all the plagues left by the horsemen of war.

[Unknown Commentator]

People knew the price it would take.

[Unknown News Anchor]

In toil and sweat before peace could mean anything, even in Europe. But the harvest of death was over on one battlefield, and human hearts were on fire.

[Unknown Commentator]

How can anybody say the people have always had war and would always have it? If all the nations now in conference at San Francisco could feel the great upsurge which came out of human hearts today?

[Unknown News Anchor]

This would be the war to conquer war. Wherever people met, someone would say, you know, it isn't like 1918 at all. People are quiet, they're solemn, they feel it all just as deeply. But there isn't any celebrating, no exaltation.

[Unknown Commentator]

And you'd hear somebody reply, it's good to know the dying and over in Europe is over at least.

[Unknown News Anchor]

But how are you going to celebrate when you know at this minute boys are dying on Okinawa? When you know the scourge of war will claim a frightful price before Japan is crushed?

[Unknown Commentator]

When you know how many who marched away to Europe are not coming back again? Are casualties 3/4 of a million. If all the men at San Francisco.

[Unknown News Anchor]

Could hear the people speak, they would know they carry a mandate as solemn as any delivered to men who ever came together. A mandate born in the hearts of millions who are trying to say this pearl of great price, it was almost.

[Unknown Commentator]

Ours a generation ago, this miracle called peace.

[Unknown News Anchor]

With the people fighting for it, praying for it.

[Unknown Commentator]

And willful men fought along party lines.

[Unknown News Anchor]

And fought each other over words, over words, little realizing they were winning empty.

[Unknown Commentator]

Victories to be paid for with the lives of our sons. One generation later.

[Unknown News Anchor]

In a tiny church.

[Unknown Commentator]

In England, a man and his wife waited all night for the dawn's day. There were many other nights when they were in that same church when the whole world waited for the Nazis to land in Britain and the church bells were to warn everybody the Nazis had come.

[Unknown News Anchor]

Night after night, this man and his.

[Unknown Commentator]

Wife came prepared to sound their alarm. And by the grace of God, the Nazi never came.

[Unknown News Anchor]

But now the bell was to peal joyous news, tidings of victory and peace. The man turned to his wife and.

[Unknown Commentator]

He said, I'll ring as I never.

[Unknown News Anchor]

Rang before, with all my heart and all my strength until even our boy will hear it.

[Unknown Commentator]

Their boy would hear it. And the cemetery hilltop which was now.

[Unknown News Anchor]

His home here, where his youth and dreams and his love were all sacrificed.

[Unknown Commentator]

I'll ring, said his father, as I never rang before. You and I, we'll fight for the peace as we've never fought before.

[Unknown News Anchor]

Until every man who's responsibility it is will know this is our mandate. This is keeping faith with those who.

[Unknown Commentator]

Kept faith with us. Good night.

[Gabriel Heater]

Thank you. Gabriel Heater. Gabriel Heater with up to the minute News of the World was presented this evening by Four Hands Toothpaste. And he has heard Monday through Friday evenings at the same time and Sunday evenings over most of these stations. 15 minutes earlier. This is the Mutual Broadcasting System.

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