By José Carlos Palma *
Victory Day in Europe, also known as VE Day, is celebrated on May 8th every year to commemorate the end of World War II in Europe. The day marks the unconditional surrender of Nazi Germany to the Allied forces, which effectively ended the war in Europe.
Background: The Second World War began in Europe on September 1st, 1939, when Nazi Germany invaded Poland. The war lasted six years and was fought between the Axis powers, led by Germany, Italy, and Japan, and the Allied powers, which included the United States, the United Kingdom, the Soviet Union, and other countries. The war caused the deaths of millions of soldiers and civilians and had a profound impact on the world.
In the final stages of the war, Allied forces made significant gains against Nazi Germany, pushing them back on both the Eastern and Western fronts. In April 1945, Soviet forces entered Berlin and took control of the city. On May 7th, 1945, Germany signed an unconditional surrender to the Allied forces in the French city of Reims. The surrender was ratified on May 8th, which became known as Victory in Europe Day.
Celebrations: Victory Day in Europe is celebrated in many countries around the world, with ceremonies, parades, and other events. In Europe, it is a public holiday in countries such as France, Poland, and the Czech Republic. In the United Kingdom, it is celebrated every five years with a bank holiday, with the most recent being in 2020 to mark the 75th anniversary of VE Day.
Celebrations typically include military parades, wreath-laying ceremonies at war memorials, and speeches by political leaders. In the UK, the Queen gives a speech, and there is a flypast of military aircraft over Buckingham Palace. In France, a torchlight procession takes place at the Arc de Triomphe, and the French president lays a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
Legacy: Victory Day in Europe is an important day for remembering the sacrifices made during World War II and reflecting on the importance of peace and international cooperation. It is also a day to celebrate the defeat of Nazi Germany and the end of the war in Europe. The legacy of the war continues to be felt around the world, and Victory Day serves as a reminder of the importance of preventing conflict and promoting peace.
In conclusion, Victory Day in Europe is a day of commemoration, celebration, and reflection. It marks the end of one of the most significant and devastating conflicts in history and serves as a reminder of the importance of peace, cooperation, and understanding between nations.
* Expert in international relations, such as foreign policy, international trade, domestic security, international security, developing nations, and domestic security, intelligence, and military.