On May 7, 1945, German officials signed an instrument of surrender to Allied forces, bringing an end to World War II in Europe. Joyous citizens took to the streets upon hearing the news the next day, and so May 8 became known as Victory in Europe Day, at least in the west. Eastern European countries celebrate it on May 9, due to differences in time zones. You can listen to Prime Minister Churchill's remarks here, and you can read the text of President Truman's radio address here.
Tuesday, May 8, 2012
Victory in Europe Day
On May 7, 1945, German officials signed an instrument of surrender to Allied forces, bringing an end to World War II in Europe. Joyous citizens took to the streets upon hearing the news the next day, and so May 8 became known as Victory in Europe Day, at least in the west. Eastern European countries celebrate it on May 9, due to differences in time zones. You can listen to Prime Minister Churchill's remarks here, and you can read the text of President Truman's radio address here.
