V-E Day - Bevrijdingsdag in Europa (2024)

FAQs

How is VE Day celebrated in Europe? ›

Across the western world, millions rejoiced, relieved that years of conflict and incredible hardship were finally coming to an end. Up and down the country millions of people took to the streets as communities came together to celebrate the end of the European conflict with street parties, dancing and singing.

On May 8, 1945 - known as Victory in Europe Day or V-E Day - celebrations erupted around the world to mark the end of World War II in Europe. The war had been raging for almost five years when U.S. and Allied forces landed on the beaches of Normandy, France, on June 6, 1944.

VE Day marked the start of the political, economic and physical reconstruction of the continent. In June 1945, 50 countries signed the United Nations Charter and pledged to maintain international peace and security.

Although everyone was pleased the war in Europe had ended, for many the celebrations would have been a sad reminder of the loss of many loved ones. They would have been fighting abroad, caught by the enemy or died in air raids attacks.

The other member states celebrate Europe Day in a commemorative manner by hoisting flags and organising a variety of events. In Brussels, the EU institutions hold an open-doors day, and its employees are given a day off work – unless the European Parliament is in session.

There was no 'V-Day'. There was a VE-Day (Victory in Europe) and a VJ-Day (Victory over Japan), but these were events labeled only after the fact. D-Day is a misinterpretation by the press of a common military planning title. “D” in that phrase simply means 'day'.

In Federal Republic of Germany, events are held on 8 May to commemorate those who fought against Nazism and died in World War II. Also, on 8 May, the German state of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern since 2002 has recognised a commemorative day Tag der Befreiung vom Nationalsozialismus und der Beendigung des 2.

France. France celebrates VE Day on 8 May, being a national and public holiday. Orléans simultaneously celebrates both VE Day and the anniversary of the Siege of Orléans being lifted on this date by French forces led by Joan of Arc during the Hundred Years War.

While in Berlin the 75th anniversary of the end of the war was a one-time official holiday (Feiertag) in 2020, 8 May is a so-called Gedenktag (day of commemoration) in many other German federal states, such as Mecklenburg-Vorpommern and Brandenburg.

The formal surrender of Nazi Germany on May 8, 1945, followed by the announcement of Japan's surrender on August 15, 1945, brought about massive celebrations that filled streets all over the Allied world.

Why was Japan still at war after VE Day? ›

Although her navy had been seriously reduced, Japan still had large armies in the field on V-E day—indeed most of her soldiers had never seen combat. She was not willing to surrender unconditionally to the Allies. It would take two atomic bombs AND the Soviets opening an offensive in Manchuria to bring her to that.

Germans battle Soviet defenders on the streets of Kharkov, 25 October 1941. In the minds of many German leaders, World War II was lost much sooner than May 1945. Much of the Third Reich knew its days were numbered almost as soon as the war had started.

On this day in 1945, the Allies accepted the unconditional surrender of Nazi Germany, bringing an end to World War II in Europe. VE Day is celebrated every year to honor the sacrifices and contributions made by soldiers and civilians alike during this tumultuous period in history.

It was a day of mixed emotions

For those who had lost loved ones in the conflict, it was a time to reflect. Amidst the street parties and rejoicing, many people mourned the death of a friend or relative, or worried about those who were still serving overseas.

On May 8th, 1945 – known as Victory in Europe Day or V-E Day – celebrations erupted around the world to mark the end of a nearly six year war that had cost the lives of millions; destroyed homes, families, and cities; and brought huge suffering to the populations of entire countries.

VE Day was a national holiday

There were even commemorative items hastily produced in time for the celebrations, including 'VE Day' mugs. Some restaurants had special 'victory' menus, too. Various events were organised to mark the occasion, including parades, thanksgiving services and street parties.

Wreaths and flowers are also abundent, and ceremonies take place across France, as citizens remember World War II. In Paris, the French President and veterans attend a celebration on the Champs-Elysees, complete with a military parade and wreath laying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

Germany has for decades felt uncomfortable over such pageantry given the role of its soldiers in World War II and the Holocaust. But a bill to introduce an annual national Veterans' Day was voted in on April 25 after being approved by nearly all parties in the German parliament.

Military parades and Soviet military symbolism play an important role in the 9 May celebrations across Russia. Victory Day Parades are military parades that are held on 9 May, particularly in various post-soviet nations such as Russia, Kazakhstan, Belarus, and until 2015, Ukraine.