Unveiling the Second Act of World War II's Conclusion
Differences in Observance of Second World War's Conclusion: Reasons for 8 May in France and 9 May in Russia.
Seventy-five years ago, the nightmare of World War II came to an end, but not without a series of momentous scenes tucked away from the limelight. May 8, 1945, marked the armistice in Berlin, following a six-year grueling war, and since then, annual commemorations have been held on this date, notably in France. However, a somewhat obscure event also transpired the night prior, on May 7, 1945 at 2:41 AM in Reims. This was where General Eisenhower commanded an unconditional surrender of the German forces, orchestrated in a school converted into an Allied headquarters for the occasion.
On the Scene with Filmmaker Wim Wenders
The four-minute short film "Keys to Freedom," directed by German cinematographer Wim Wenders, is currently streaming on the German Foreign Ministry's YouTube channel. This documentary seamlessly blends footage from the past and present. Wim Wenders revisits the Franklin-Roosevelt High School in Reims, the hallowed ground where peace was stirred into being, far from the grandiose military parades.
He deems it "the focal point of the world for one night," reminding us that the decisions leading to peace were forged within the confines of a classroom setting, away from the trumpets and drums of war.
The capitulation of Hitler's Germany, sealed on May 7, 1945, didn't take effect until the following day. It is this date that has been documented in history and transformed into holidays and commemorations.
The Double Victory Signature
Stalin demanded that this victory be acknowledged by Soviet representatives, feeling that the Soviet Union had borne the brunt of the military battle against the Nazis. A second signature was, therefore, arranged, this time on May 8, 1945 at 11:01 PM in Berlin, within the Soviet sector. However, due to the time difference, it was already 1:01 AM in Moscow, thus May 9. This is why Russia, along with most former Soviet countries, celebrates Victory on May 9th.
In Ukraine, May 9th has been disregarded since the onset of the conflict with Russia, and only May 8th is acknowledged, like in Western Europe. In Germany, May 8th is not celebrated as a holiday, but Berlin decided to observe the 75th anniversary symbolically this year and declared it a day of remembrance, an initiative they had taken five years earlier. The aim is to emphasize that the guarantee of living in peace is ever-elusive.
[Enrichment]
Behind the Seals of SurrenderThe second signing of the German surrender during World War II unfolded on May 9, 1945, in the Soviet headquarters in Berlin-Karlshorst, a pivotal event for both Russia and Ukraine. This occurrence is historically celebrated as Victory Day, signifying the final conclusion of World War II in Europe.
Background and Implications
First Signing
May 7, 1945 saw the first signing at Reims, France, with General Alfred Jodl representing Germany and General Dwight D. Eisenhower representing the Allied Expeditionary Force. However, the absence of Soviet representatives necessitated a subsequent ceremony.
Second Signing
The second signing, essential to appease the Soviet Union, transpired on May 9, 1945 at 0:43 AM, with General Georgy Zhukov for the Soviet Union, General Jean de Lattre de Tassigny for France, General Sir Arthur Tedder for the United Kingdom, General Wilhelm Keitel, General Admiral Hans-Georg von Friedeburg, and Field Marshal Hans-Jürgen Stumpff for Germany at the Soviet headquarters in Berlin-Karlshorst.
In Russia and Ukraine
- Russia: The second signing is instrumental in Russia's historical narrative as it underscores the Soviet Union's integral role in the crushing of Nazi Germany. May 9th, Victory Day, is a national holiday in Russia and other post-Soviet countries, honouring the Soviet Union's significant contribution to the end of World War II.
- Ukraine: In Ukraine, the event embodies the end of the agonizing Nazi occupation during World War II. The Soviet victory signifies liberation for the nation. Though Ukraine was part of the Soviet Union then, the country's current independence results in a more intricate celebration, as some Ukrainians view Victory Day as a Soviet triumph while others focus on the country's own struggle against both Nazi Germany and the Soviet Union.
- The four-minute short film "Keys to Freedom," directed by Wim Wenders, describes the hallowed ground of Franklin-Roosevelt High School in Reims, where the armistice was stirred into being, on the German Foreign Ministry's YouTube channel under the category of 'war-and-conflicts' and 'politics' and 'general-news'.
- The second signing of the German surrender during World War II, crucial for appeasing the Soviet Union, took place on May 9, 1945 at 0:43 AM at the Soviet headquarters in Berlin-Karlshorst, a pivotal event for both Russia and Ukraine, and is historically celebrated as Victory Day in Russia and other post-Soviet countries.
- In Ukraine, May 9th has been disregarded since the onset of the conflict with Russia, and only May 8th is acknowledged, like in Western Europe, symbolizing the end of the agonizing Nazi occupation during World War II for Ukraine.
- This year, Berlin decided to observe the 75th anniversary of the armistice symbolically and declared it a day of remembrance, emphasizing that the guarantee of living in peace is ever-elusive, a sentiment shared worldwide.
