Victory in Europe Day | History, Celebration

 Victory in Europe Day

King George VI and the Queen with Princess Elizabeth, Princess Margaret and WinstonChurchill on the Balcony of Buckingham Palace on VE-Day, London, 8th May 1945(Getty)

VE Day, or Victory in Europe Day, is an annual celebration on May 8th that commemorates the conclusion of World War II in Europe. On this day in 1945, Germany surrendered to the Allied forces, which were composed of the United States, the United Kingdom, France, and the Soviet Union.

The conclusion of the war in Europe marked the end of nearly six years of conflict that resulted in the loss of millions of lives and widespread destruction throughout the continent. People around the world who had experienced the war were overjoyed and relieved at the announcement.

In the United Kingdom, VE Day was marked with public celebrations like street parties and parades. In London, over a million people gathered at Trafalgar Square and the Mall to join in the festivities and commemorate the end of the war.

Despite the conclusion of the war in Europe, fighting continued in the Pacific theater until August 15th, when Japan surrendered to the Allies. The end of World War II was a critical turning point in world history that had a profound impact on the world that can still be felt today.

History of VE Day

VE Day, or Victory in Europe Day, is celebrated on May 8th every year to mark the end of World War II in Europe. On this day in 1945, Germany surrendered to the Allied forces, ending the war in Europe.

Members of the Auxiliary Territorial Service (ATS) , driving through Trafalgar Square in a service vehicle during the VE Day celebrations in London, 8th May 1945(Getty)

The war had been raging in Europe for over six years, causing widespread destruction and loss of life. The Allies, which consisted of the United States, the United Kingdom, France, and the Soviet Union, had been fighting against the Axis powers, which consisted of Germany, Italy, and Japan.

By the beginning of May 1945, Germany was in a state of collapse. Its cities had been bombed, its armies were in retreat, and its civilians were starving. On May 7th, 1945, Germany signed an unconditional surrender in the French city of Reims, ending the war in Europe.

The news of Germany's surrender was met with joy and relief across the world. Celebrations broke out in cities and towns across the Allied countries, with people taking to the streets to sing, dance, and wave flags. In London, crowds gathered outside Buckingham Palace and Trafalgar Square, where King George VI and Prime Minister Winston Churchill appeared on the balcony to cheers from the crowds.

VE Day marked the end of one of the most devastating wars in history and the beginning of a new era of peace and rebuilding. Today, it is still remembered and celebrated as a symbol of victory over tyranny and oppression.

What do people do on Victory in Europe Day?

Victory in Europe Day, also known as VE Day, is celebrated on May 8th each year to mark the formal acceptance by the Allies of World War II of Nazi Germany's unconditional surrender of its armed forces. This day is significant because it marks the end of the war in Europe and the beginning of the end of World War II.

British political and military leaders in the garden of 10 Downing Street, London, after Germany's unconditional surrender on 7 May 1945(Getty)

On VE Day, people around the world commemorate the sacrifices made by the Allied forces and civilians during World War II. The celebration typically includes:

Parades: 

In many countries, people participate in parades to honor the veterans and the memory of those who lost their lives in the war.

Wreath-laying ceremonies: 

In some countries, wreath-laying ceremonies take place at war memorials and cemeteries to honor fallen soldiers.

Fireworks: 

Firework displays are a common way to mark the occasion.

Flag-raising ceremonies: 

Many people raise flags to commemorate the end of the war.

Street parties:

 In the UK, people organize street parties to celebrate VE Day, with food, music, and dancing.

Remembrance services: 

Religious and non-religious remembrance services take place to remember those who died in the war.

Overall, VE Day is a day of reflection, gratitude, and celebration of the hard-won peace that followed the end of the Second World War in Europe.

Who declared victory in Europe?

The official announcement of the end of World War II in Europe and the surrender of Nazi Germany was made on May 8, 1945. This day is celebrated as Victory in Europe Day (VE Day). The announcement was made by the British Prime Minister Winston Churchill in a broadcast to the nation. The announcement was followed by celebrations across the Allied nations, with people taking to the streets to mark the end of the war in Europe.

What is the difference between D-Day and VE Day?

D-Day and VE Day are both important dates in the history of World War II, but they mark different events.

D-Day, which occurred on June 6, 1944, was the day when Allied forces launched a massive invasion of Nazi-occupied Europe. The invasion, codenamed Operation Overlord, involved more than 156,000 troops, and it marked the beginning of the end of the war in Europe. D-Day was a crucial turning point in the war, as it enabled the Allies to establish a foothold on the continent and begin pushing back the German forces.

VE Day, on the other hand, marks the end of the war in Europe. It was declared on May 8, 1945, after Nazi Germany's unconditional surrender to the Allied forces. VE Day stands for Victory in Europe Day, and it was a time of great celebration and relief for people across Europe and the world. It marked the end of one of the deadliest conflicts in human history and the beginning of a new era of peace and reconstruction.