Got an idea for a new holiday? Let us know!
Submit Holiday

Victory in Europe Day

Commemorate Victory in Europe Day - honor those who fought for our freedom by celebrating the end of WWII with respect and gratitude.
Weekly And Monthly Reports - Techcloud X Webflow Template
When it is?
May 8
Location Icon
Country
International
Introduction

Celebrate Victory in Europe Day on May 8 by honoring the brave individuals who fought for freedom during World War II. On this day, millions of people around the world commemorate the end of World War II in Europe and celebrate the victory of Allied forces over Nazi Germany. This day is an important reminder of the power of perseverance, determination, and hope. There are many ways to commemorate this special day, from attending a memorial ceremony to simply taking a moment to reflect on those who sacrificed so much for freedom.

History of Victory in Europe Day

Victory in Europe Day Dates

Victory in Europe Day Timeline

<div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1939</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Start of World War II</div><div class='timeline-text'>World War II begins after Germany invades Poland, marking the start of Nazi Germany's campaign of aggression.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1941</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>U.S. Joins the War</div><div class='timeline-text'>The United States enters World War II following the attack on Pearl Harbor by Japan, an ally of Nazi Germany.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1945</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Hitler's Death</div><div class='timeline-text'>Adolf Hitler dies on April 30, marking a significant turning point in the closing stages of World War II in Europe.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1945</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Germany Surrenders</div><div class='timeline-text'>Nazi Germany surrenders unconditionally to the Allies on May 7, effectively ending World War II in Europe.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1945</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>First Victory in Europe Day</div><div class='timeline-text'>The first Victory in Europe Day is celebrated by Allied nations on May 8, marking the official end of World War II in Europe.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>Annually</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Commemorations and Remembrance</div><div class='timeline-text'>Every year on May 8, nations across the world hold events to commemorate VE Day, remembering those who gave their lives during World War II.</div></div></div>

How to Celebrate Victory in Europe Day

<div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Organize a parade</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Organizing a parade is the perfect way to honor and celebrate Victory in Europe Day. Invite friends, family and the local community to come together and march in the parade.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Hold a remembrance ceremony</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Host a remembrance ceremony to honor those who fought and died in World War II. Invite veterans, family members of veterans, politicians, and other special guests.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Watch a war movie</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Choose a movie that reflects the events of World War II. This is a great way to learn more about the war and to remember those who served.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Visit a memorial</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Take a trip to your local war memorial or military museum. This is a great way to pay tribute to those who served in World War II.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Fly a flag</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Display your national flag or the official flag of Victory in Europe Day. This is a simple yet effective way to show your appreciation for those who fought for freedom.</p></div></div>

Why Victory in Europe Day is Important

<div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>A</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Victory in Europe Day celebrates the end of WWII</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Victory in Europe Day (V-E Day) is an annual celebration marking the formal acceptance by Nazi Germany of the unconditional surrender of its armed forces. This day marks the official end of World War II in Europe on May 8, 1945. It is a time to reflect on and honor those who fought and sacrificed so that peace could be restored.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>B</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Victory in Europe Day reminds us of our history</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>The horrors experienced during WWII should never be forgotten. V-E Day serves as a powerful reminder of both our hard-fought victories and devastating losses, as well as a sobering reminder that war has consequences -both then, now and in the future.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>C</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Victory in Europe Day symbolizes hope for peace</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>The spirit of joy that swept through Europe at the news of victory symbolized hope for a future founded upon enduring peace between nations. This hope should continue to inspire us today towards justice, peaceful relations and international understanding.</p></div></div>

5 Lesser-Known Facts about Victory in Europe Day

<div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>1</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>VE Day wasn't celebrated everywhere on the same date</h3><p class='facts-content'>Although recognized by most nations on May 8, Russia and a few other former Soviet countries celebrate Victory Day on May 9. This discrepancy is due to the late signing of the official surrender document.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>2</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>VE Day marked the largest relief operation to date</h3><p class='facts-content'>The end of World War II initiated enormous relief and reconstruction effort, with the United Nations Relief and Rehabilitation Administration (UNRRA) providing aid for millions of displaced refugees.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>3</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>A Peace Sign was printed on VE Day newspapers</h3><p class='facts-content'>Some newspapers printed the first version of the iconic peace sign used in the anti-nuclear disarmament movement on their front pages on VE Day.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>4</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>VE Day coincides with Truman's birthday</h3><p class='facts-content'>President Harry S. Truman - who announced victory to Americans - turned 61 on VE Day. He referred to it as the best birthday present he ever had.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>5</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>There were spontaneous parades on VE Day</h3><p class='facts-content'>Civilians and off-duty soldiers filled the streets, hugging, singing, dancing, and setting off fireworks in spontaneous parades after the official announcement was made about the end of the war.</p></div></div>

Victory in Europe Day FAQs

When is Victory in Europe Day?

Victory in Europe Day is celebrated on May 8 every year. In 2024, Victory in Europe Day will occur on a Wednesday.

Victory in Europe Day Dates

Year
Date
Day

2023

May 8

Monday

2024

May 8

Wednesday

2025

May 8

Thursday

2026

May 8

Friday

2027

May 8

Saturday

Special Interest Holidays