Unravelling Liberation Celebrations: A Global Perspective on World War II's End
International V-Day Commemorations: Celebrating Victory Day Across Different Countries - Countries' Commemoration of Liberation Day During World War II
Sixteen long years of Nazi rule in Europe came crashing down on May 8, 1945, marking the end of World War II and the ascension of a new dawn. Adolf Hitler took his own life as Soviet troops invaded, and his successor, Großadmiral Karl Dönitz, signed the unconditional surrender of the Wehrmacht in the Allied headquarters in Reims on May 7. Yet, the Soviet leader Josef Stalin demanded a repeat ceremony in the Soviet zone, leading to a subsequent signing of the surrender in Berlin-Karlshorst on May 9. Both these days are celebrated as Victory Days across European countries and Russia.
Nations Celebrating their Earlier Liberation
Denmark, for instance, gears up for its "Liberation Day" on May 4, marking the day in 1945 when the nation was liberated by British forces. The Dutch, too, celebrate "Liberation Day" on May 5, signifying the formal end of German occupation on that very day in 1945. Italy doesn't lag behind, commemorating "Liberation Day" on April 25, honoring the day in 1945 when the nation was liberated from German occupation by Allied forces and the Italian Resistance.
Shifting Perspectives in Germany
In the early days of the Federal Republic, May 8 was a somber reminder of defeat, expulsion, and occupation. A turning point came when President Richard von Weizsäcker dubbed May 8 as a "day of liberation" in 1985, emphasizing the day's role in freeing humanity from the tyranny of National Socialism. The crimes of the Holocaust must not be forgotten, and the day serves as a revel in Berlin, but not in other federal states.
The former German Democratic Republic (GDR) celebrated May 8 as the "Day of Liberation of the German People from Hitler Fascism" between 1950 and 1966 and once in 1985.
Our photo gallery offers a visual exploration of how these nations celebrate their liberation from World War II and the Nazi regime.
Resources:
- DPA
- Federal Agency for Civic Education
- State Agency for Civic Education Baden-Württemberg
- ntv
- Redaktionsnetzwerk Deutschland
- bornholm.info
- Danmarks Radio
- Rijksoverheid
- NPO
- "Go! Go! France"
- "Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung"
- "Metro"
- "Historic UK"
- Festival of Joy
Community policies in the UK, Italy, Denmark, and the Netherlands have established officially recognized observance days to honor the end of World War II and the subsequent liberation of their countries. These days include the UK's 'Victory in Europe Day' on May 8, Denmark's "Liberation Day" on May 4, the Netherlands' "Liberation Day" on May 5, and Italy's "Liberation Day" on April 25. Each country celebrates this day with various events and commemorations, honoring the end of the Wehrmacht's reign and the liberation from Nazi occupation. These events are integral components of local politics and general news, shedding light on the significance of World War II's end and its impact on global communities.
