VE Day 80: A Global Reflection on Victory in Europe

 VE Day: A Global Reflection on Victory in Europe

On May 8th each year, millions pause to reflect on a pivotal moment in human history: Victory in Europe Day, more commonly known as VE Day. It marks the formal acceptance by the Allies of Nazi Germany’s unconditional surrender, ending World War II in Europe. But VE Day is more than a military milestone—it’s a testament to the resilience of nations, the horrors of war, and the hope for peace. This article explores the origins of VE Day, the context of World War II’s end in Europe, and how this historic moment is remembered across the globe.

The Road to VE Day: A Brief History

The Collapse of Nazi Germany

By early 1945, the Nazi regime was on the brink of collapse. The Allies, consisting of the United States, the United Kingdom, the Soviet Union, and other countries, had steadily advanced into German-held territory from both the west and the east. The liberation of concentration camps revealed the horrific extent of Nazi atrocities. Cities lay in ruins, and the German army, though still fighting in some areas, was losing cohesion.

Adolf Hitler’s suicide on April 30, 1945, marked a symbolic end to the Third Reich. His successor, Grand Admiral Karl Dönitz, attempted to negotiate a partial surrender to the Western Allies while continuing to resist the Soviet advance. However, the Allies demanded full and unconditional surrender.

The Surrender

On May 7, 1945, at 02:41 AM, German General Alfred Jodl signed the unconditional surrender of all German forces at Allied headquarters in Reims, France. The agreement stipulated that all hostilities would cease at 23:01 Central European Time on May 8. Although Soviet leader Joseph Stalin demanded a second surrender ceremony in Berlin to underline the USSR’s central role, the agreement signed in Reims was the effective end of Nazi Germany’s war in Europe.

The First VE Day

Winston Churchill announced the news to the British people on May 8, declaring:

“We may allow ourselves a brief period of rejoicing; but let us not forget for a moment the toil and efforts that lie ahead.”

Celebrations erupted across the Allied nations, with ecstatic crowds flooding city streets. In London, King George VI and Prime Minister Churchill addressed the crowds from the balcony of Buckingham Palace. Princesses Elizabeth and Margaret (the future Queen Elizabeth II and her sister) even mingled with the crowds in disguise. In Paris, New York, and Moscow, similar scenes of jubilation unfolded. For millions, VE Day was a symbol of triumph, relief, and profound loss.

VE Day in the UK and Commonwealth

The Original Celebrations in 1945

In the UK, VE Day was declared a national holiday. Street parties broke out spontaneously. People danced, sang, and shared what little food and drink they had after years of rationing. Bonfires were lit, and church bells rang across the country. The sheer joy of peace after six years of war was indescribable.

However, for many families, VE Day was bittersweet. With over 450,000 British and Commonwealth military deaths and countless civilian casualties, the price of victory had been high. Some celebrations were marked with tears more than cheers.

Modern Commemorations

In the UK today, VE Day is marked with nationwide remembrance. Significant anniversaries, such as the 50th, 70th, and 75th, have included parades, veterans' reunions, church services, and royal tributes. In 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic, socially distanced commemorations took place with millions tuning in to televised events and raising a toast to the fallen.

The Royal British Legion plays a central role in organizing events, emphasizing the need to educate younger generations about the sacrifices made during the war. School projects, public exhibitions, and flyovers by the Royal Air Force are common features of modern commemorations.

VE Day in the United States

Reactions in 1945

In the U.S., news of Germany’s surrender reached the public late on May 7, prompting a declaration by President Harry S. Truman that May 8 would be VE Day. The announcement came on his 61st birthday, and he dedicated the victory to his predecessor, Franklin D. Roosevelt, who had died just a few weeks earlier.

Celebrations broke out across the country. In Times Square, New York, thousands gathered in joy and relief. Factories paused work, and spontaneous parades occurred in many towns and cities. However, Truman reminded Americans that the war was not yet over, as Japan had not yet surrendered.

How VE Day is Remembered Today

In the U.S., VE Day is not a public holiday but is recognized in military and historical contexts. Memorials and museums, such as the National WWII Museum in New Orleans and the National Mall in Washington, D.C., often host exhibitions or ceremonies. It is also a time for veterans and families to reflect on the personal costs of the war.

VE Day in Europe

France

In France, VE Day (called “La Fête de la Victoire”) is a public holiday. Every May 8, the President of the Republic lays a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier under the Arc de Triomphe in Paris. Flags are flown, and schools teach the significance of the day. For France, which had been occupied by Nazi Germany from 1940 to 1944, the celebration is especially poignant.

Germany

Germany observes May 8 as a day of reflection, rather than celebration. Known as the “Tag der Befreiung” or “Day of Liberation,” it recognizes the fall of the Nazi regime and the beginning of democratic renewal. In Berlin, there are memorial events at the Soviet War Memorial and other historic sites. For decades, commemorations were subdued due to the complex legacy of the war, but more recently, there has been a greater emphasis on acknowledging both the suffering and the liberation VE Day represents.

Russia and Eastern Europe

The Soviet Union, and now Russia, celebrates May 9 as “Victory Day.” The time difference meant that the surrender became effective on May 9 Moscow Time. Victory Day is one of Russia’s most important holidays, featuring massive military parades in Red Square, wreath-laying ceremonies, and fireworks.

In countries formerly under Soviet control, such as Ukraine, Belarus, and the Baltic states, commemorations are more complex. While many honor the end of Nazi occupation, they also reflect on the onset of Soviet domination. Some countries, like Ukraine, now emphasize May 8 in solidarity with Western Europe, while others maintain May 9 as the primary date of remembrance.

VE Day Around the World

Canada

Canada played a significant role in the Allied war effort, and VE Day was met with nationwide celebration. Over one million Canadians served in World War II. Modern commemorations often involve school programs, veteran interviews, and wreath-laying at war memorials. The Canadian War Museum and Veterans Affairs Canada provide extensive online resources to educate the public.

Australia and New Zealand

In both countries, which contributed greatly to the Allied victory, VE Day is remembered solemnly. However, ANZAC Day (April 25) is the principal day of military remembrance. Still, veterans and historians mark VE Day with services, particularly among those who served in Europe. Media outlets often run retrospectives on the war and interviews with surviving veterans.

The Netherlands

The Netherlands does not celebrate VE Day, but instead observes “Liberation Day” on May 5, marking the surrender of German forces in the country. The day is a national holiday celebrated with concerts, parades, and educational activities. The Dutch government also honors the role of Canadian forces in liberating the country.

Belgium

Belgium holds commemorative events on May 8, including services at war cemeteries and tributes to resistance fighters. Towns that suffered heavily under occupation often have their own traditions of remembrance, and the country’s role as a battleground in both world wars adds weight to the commemorations.

Cultural Legacy and Education

Media and Film

VE Day has been the subject of numerous films, documentaries, and books. From the celebratory scenes in The Longest Day to the reflective tones of The Darkest Hour, popular culture plays a key role in keeping the memory of VE Day alive. BBC archives, American war footage, and personal diaries all serve as invaluable educational tools.

Educational Initiatives

Many countries include World War II and VE Day in national curriculums. Schools may host remembrance assemblies, art and essay competitions, or invite veterans to speak. Digital platforms like the Imperial War Museums and the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum offer online exhibits and firsthand testimonies.

The Role of Veterans

As the number of living World War II veterans declines, their stories have become more precious than ever. VE Day commemorations often highlight their experiences, encouraging younger generations to understand the human impact of the war. Organizations like the Royal British Legion and the U.S. Veterans of Foreign Wars work tirelessly to preserve this legacy.

Challenges and Controversies

Changing Historical Perspectives

In recent decades, historians have taken more nuanced approaches to VE Day, examining not just the Allied triumph but also the moral and humanitarian aftermath—such as the displacement of millions, post-war retributions, and the beginning of the Cold War.

Political Tensions

In parts of Eastern Europe, VE Day and its Soviet legacy remain contentious. For instance, in countries like Poland and the Baltic states, the end of Nazi rule also marked the beginning of Soviet occupation. As a result, Victory Day parades in Moscow can be viewed with skepticism or outright rejection.

The Future of VE Day

As we move further from the events of World War II, the way we commemorate VE Day continues to evolve. From massive public events to intimate family remembrances, the essence of VE Day endures. It reminds us of a generation's courage, a world united in the face of tyranny, and the enduring cost of war.

Digital technology, archival restoration, and global collaboration now make it easier than ever to access first-hand accounts, photos, and videos from the era. Younger generations are stepping up to ensure the legacy lives on—not just as a chapter in history books, but as a vital lesson for the future.

VE Day is not merely a date in history; it is a symbol of hope born from sacrifice. Whether marked by a moment of silence, a grand parade, or a family story passed down through generations, VE Day carries universal messages—of remembrance, of resilience, and of peace. As we remember May 8, 1945, we also remember the millions whose lives were forever changed, and the enduring need to safeguard the peace they fought to achieve.