The "Day of Liberation" Around the Globe: How Nations Mark the Conclusion of World War II
Countries' Commemorations of 'Liberation Day' following World War II - Celebrations of Liberation Day in Countries Other Than the U.S. Commemorating the End of World War II
Waged across six grueling years in Europe with a staggering loss of over 60 million lives and twelve long years of Nazi tyranny, the tumultuous World War II came to a close on May 8, 1945.
As Adolf Hitler took his own life in Berlin and Soviet troops closed in, Großadmiral Karl Doenitz stepped in. The next day, Generaloberst Alfred Jodl surrendered the Wehrmacht on behalf of Doenitz in the Allied headquarters in Reims. The surrender became effective at midnight on May 8. However, Stalin demanded a repetition of the ceremony in the Soviet zone, leading to the signing of the surrender once more, this time before Soviet representatives in Berlin-Karlshorst, on the night of May 9.
May 8 and May 9 are observed as the conclusion of World War II in European countries and Russia. In France and the UK, May 8 is called "Victory Day." In Russia, the commemoration takes place on May 9.
Liberation Celebrations Around the Map
While some countries celebrate the end of World War II, many more mark their liberation from the grip of Nazi Germany at varying times. Denmark, for instance, honors "Liberation Day" annually on May 4. The Dutch celebrate "Liberation Day" on May 5. Italy has its "Liberation Day" on April 25.
Germany's relationship with May 8 is complex. In the early years of the new Federal Republic, the day symbolized defeat, expulsion, and occupation. Things began to change in the 1960s and 1970s when the speech by Federal President Richard von Weizsacker in 1985 emphasized that May 8 marked the end of the "inhuman system of National Socialist tyranny." In Berlin, May 8 is now a holiday, although other federal states don't have a similar celebration. The East German regime celebrated May 8 as "Day of Liberation of the German People from Hitler Fascism" from 1950 to 1966 and once in 1985.
Different countries remember the "Day of Liberation" in unique ways, reflecting their individual experiences and perspectives during World War II.
Source: News agency DPA, Federal Agency for Civic Education, State Agency for Civic Education Baden-Württemberg, ntv, Editorial Network Germany, bornholm.info, Danmarks Radio, Rijksoverheid, NPO, "Go! Go! France", "Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung", "Metro", "Historic UK", Festival of Joy
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Insights:
- In the Netherlands, Liberation Day (Bevrijdingsdag) is celebrated on May 5, honoring the end of Nazi occupation. May 4 is a day of national silence to commemorate the war dead, and ceremonies like the lighting of the Liberation Fire in Wageningen are common.
- In Italy, Liberation Day (Festa della Liberazione) is celebrated on April 25, acknowledging the victory over Nazi Germany and the Italian Social Republic, marking the end of occupation and the establishment of the Italian Republic.
- While the enrichment data suggests that Germany commemorates May 8 as a "Day of Liberation," the term is more commonly used in the context of East Germany, where it is celebrated as "Day of Liberation from Fascism" with military parades.
- Poland's commemorations revolve around honoring their national holidays related to World War II, such as National Armed Forces Day (August 15), which pays tribute to the Polish armed forces and their contributions during the war.
- France and the United Kingdom celebrate "Victory in Europe Day" on May 8, even though it is not a national holiday in the UK. Russia, on the other hand, celebrates "Victory Day" on May 9, marking the formal end of World War II in Europe.
- The Community policy of nations might include guidance on how to commemorate the "Day of Liberation," marking the end of World War II.
- Employment policy could be influenced by the celebration of "Liberation Day" in various countries, offering time off for citizens to participate in commemorative events.
- General-news outlets often cover the unique ways each country "celebrates" or "commemorates" the "Day of Liberation," highlighting their individual experiences during World War II.
- Politicians might discuss the significance of "Victory in Europe Day" or "Victory Day" in their speeches, reflecting on the events of World War II and the impact of liberation on their respective nations.
