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A Newsday/News12 Report

Witness to History:Long Island Remembers WWII

In 1945, the world was engaged in the final battles of World War II in both the European and Pacific theaters. Seventy years later, Long Island remembers the efforts of our local servicemen and women who served in the second great war that helped define the 20th century.

Avenging Japan's 'sneak attack'

Pete Fabregas

Avenging Japan's 'sneak attack'

"There were guys in my neighborhood who packed their lunch and left their houses within minutes of the announcement," Fabregas,of Massapequa Park, recalled. "I was envious of them, although I never saw some of them ever again."

Courtesy of Pete Fabregas

War Stories

Long Islanders in Service

War Stories

Throughout 1945, servicemen and women from all over Long Island were involved in the final push to reach Victory in Europe and Victory in the Pacific. Here are their stories.

Courtesy photo

What was left behind

Explore

What was left behind

A collection of World War II relics from LI and NYC veterans

Amy Onorato

Animal mascots of WWII

A soldier's best friend

Animal mascots of WWII

A collection of animals that served in World War II, and the humans who cared for them.

AP

World War II: Timeline of Events

Major Moments

World War II: Timeline of Events

Explore key events, major battles and milestones throughout World War II.

AP

Then and Now

Life after service

Then and Now

Photos of Long Islanders at war, and where they are now.

Newsday Staff

Front page news

From the Archives

Front page news

See what made headlines in this collection of Newsday covers from World War II.

Newsday Archives

Remembering our fallen heroes

See the numbers

Remembering our fallen heroes

The New York State Military Museum and Veterans Research Center lists 43,254 New Yorkers who died in service during World War II. Find them here.

AP

Past coverage

In the news

Past coverage

Newsday stories from World War II.

Newsday Archives

Designer: Anthony Carrozzo; Producer: Amy Onorato; Photo editor: Oswaldo Jimenez; Video: Matthew Golub Copy editor: Martha Guevara