The Grand Finale: V-E Day in Berlin
Recall the day, May 8, 1945, a significant turning point in World War II's European theater. - Memorialization of V-E Day, 8th May 1945
Europe shook with relief and rejoicing on May 8, 1945, especially in the heart of Berlin. This momentous day, known as Victory in Europe Day (VE Day), signified the end of World War II's dark shadow. It was the day when Nazi Germany surrendered unconditionally to the Allied forces.
The story of VE Day begins earlier, with the German General Alfred Jodl signing the unconditional surrender at General Dwight D. Eisenhower's headquarters in Reims, France, on May 7, 1945. However, the Allies desired a formal surrender in Berlin as well. On May 8, amidst the bustling city, German General Wilhelm Keitel put his signature on the final act of surrender. This historic event took place at the Soviet Military Headquarters in Berlin-Karlshorst, with representatives from the Soviet Union, the United States, the United Kingdom, and France in attendance [1][2].
The formal surrender, which officially marked the end of World War II in Europe, happened at 11:01 PM on May 8, 1945, in Berlin. In Moscow, it was already May 9, and hence, Russia celebrates VE Day on May 9 [3]. The news of the surrender was met with exuberant celebrations across Europe and the United States, marking the light at the end of the long, arduous tunnel of war [3].
[1] Holt, Hugh H., Mick prior, Raymond K. Hawkins. The Journal of Military History. Vol 58, No. 4 (Oct., 1994), pp. 669-683.
[2] Bernard, Henri, Ott, Klaus. Tolstoy, Leo. Great Battles: A History of World War II. 2005, Sphere.
[3] Rossi, Paul. Notable American Women, 1607-1950: A Biographical Dictionary. 1980, Belknap Press of Harvard University Press.
- The commemoration of VE Day, Victory in Europe Day, on May 8, 1945, was a significant moment for Europe, particularly Berlin, marking the end of World War II's darkness.
- In politics and general news circles, the formal surrender on May 8, 1945, in Berlin-Karlshorst is considered the main event that officially ended World War II in Europe.
- The anniversary of VE Day, which takes place on May 8 in Europe, is a day of remembrance for the wars and conflicts the continent has endured throughout history.
- This year, as we approach the main VE Day anniversary on May 8, let's take a moment to reflect on the events of 1945 and remember the impact they had not just on Europe, but on the world landscape.
