Canada goofed up the document that ended World War II

Everyone makes mistakes — including Col. Lawrence Cosgrave, the veteran who made a blunder while signing the document that ended the Second World War exactly 75 years ago today.

The Canadian war hero — who was half-blind — accepted the surrender of the Japanese empire on Canada's behalf in 1945, effectively ending a war that cost 75 million people their lives.

The only problem? Cosgrave signed on the line intended for the French.

as this is the 75th anniversary of Japan's Surrender, here's a pic reminding us that Canada signed in the wrong place, forcing all subsequent signers to do likewise. pic.twitter.com/gBWO7UBr2k
— Steve Saideman (@smsaideman) September 2, 2020

Fortunately, Cosgrave's error was rectified by U.S. Gen. Douglas MacArthur's chief of staff, who stepped in to save the situation by crossing out a line, per CBC News.

Unfortunately, the blunder meant that all the other countries that still had to sign the document were forced to do so on the wrong line.

Oops.

Naturally, Canadians had a lot to say on the unfortunate (but admittedly hilarious) mix-up.

This was before the development of those little sticky flags that say "sign here."
— Heather Wood (@heatherkaywood) September 2, 2020

In true stereotypical fashion, multiple Canadians couldn't resist apologizing for the error.

Sorry, eh? Sorry.
— Canadian Forces in 🇺🇸 (@CAFinUS) September 2, 2020

Because there's nothing Canadians hate more than inconveniencing other people.

pic.twitter.com/Ya2i101xBA
— Angela MacDonald (@sneezy6145) September 2, 2020

Although one person pointed out that France could have done Canada a solid by simply switching places with us.

Have you met any French people?
— Megan McArdle (@asymmetricinfo) September 2, 2020

Unfortunately, Cosgrave is often remembered only for his blunder, but the colonel also achieved two Distinguished Service Orders for gallantry in action and a Croix de Guerre.

Plus, Cosgrave got it right when it came to the second copy.