The History of VE Day

By Eeva Tudor

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VE Day, or Victory in Europe Day, holds a profound place in history as the day when the Allies celebrated the defeat of Nazi Germany and the end of World War II in Europe. Each year, on May 8th, people reflect on that monumental day in 1945 when, after years of brutal conflict, the war in Europe officially came to an end. It was a moment that brought overwhelming relief, joy, and sorrow all at once, marking the close of one of the darkest chapters in human history.

The road to VE Day was long and gruelling. By early 1945, Germany was in retreat on all fronts. The Allied forces (the United States, the United Kingdom, and the Soviet Union) had been pushing back the German army. The capture of Berlin shortly afterwards by Soviet troops sealed the fate of Nazi Germany. On May 7, 1945, General Alfred Jodl, on behalf of the German High Command, signed the unconditional surrender of Germany in Reims, France.

However, it wasn’t until May 8th, 1945, that the full surrender was made public, marking the official end of the war in Europe. In the UK and the US, the announcement was greeted with joy and relief. For millions of people who had lived through the hardships of war—rationing, air raids, and the loss of loved ones—VE Day was a moment of pure emotional release. It was the light at the end of a long, dark tunnel.

In the UK, the celebrations were spontaneous and vibrant. People flooded the streets of London and other cities, waving Union Jack flags, singing, and dancing in the streets. The iconic image of crowds gathered in Trafalgar Square, with Winston Churchill standing on the balcony of 10 Downing Street alongside King George VI, became a symbol of triumph and national unity. In Britain, the government declared May 8th a national holiday, and throughout the day, Churchill’s voice rang out over the radio, reassuring citizens that the war was over and urging them to remain steadfast in the face of challenges still ahead.

The US also marked the occasion with celebrations, though in a somewhat more restrained fashion compared to the exuberance seen in Britain. For many Americans, VE Day was a bittersweet moment, as they had been heavily involved in fighting in the Pacific and knew that the war was not yet over. The Pacific theatre would continue until Japan’s surrender in September 1945, following the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki.

Despite the global celebrations, VE Day was not a day of unbridled joy for everyone. While it marked the end of Nazi tyranny, it also marked the beginning of the painful process of rebuilding and reckoning with the horrors of the Holocaust and the devastation caused by the war. For many, the celebrations were tempered by the knowledge of the immense human cost of the conflict.

Today, VE Day serves as a solemn reminder of the sacrifices made during the war and the importance of peace. While the day is celebrated differently around the world, it remains a time to honour the courage and resilience of those who fought for freedom. For many, it is a time to reflect not only on the victory but also on the lessons of history, emphasising the need for unity, compassion, and a commitment to preventing future conflict.

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