Victory in Europe Day celebrates the surrender of Nazi Germany in World War II.

 Victory in Europe Day celebrates the surrender of Nazi Germany in World War II.

At the Supreme Headquarters of the Allied Expeditionary Force in Reims, France, German General Alfred Jodl signed an instrument of surrender in front of General Dwight D.

 Eisenhower on May 7, 1945, taking effect on May 8. 

To recognize the terrible price paid by the Soviet Union in the war, Premiere Joseph Stalin insisted on a separate ceremony the following day on May 9 in Berlin, so a high-ranking Soviet general could accept it. 

German Field Marshall Wilhelm Keitel signed the second document which stated, “The German High Command will at once issue orders to all German military, naval and air authorities and to all forces under German control to cease active operations at 23:01 hours Central European Time on 8 May 1945.”

 As it was already the next day in Eastern Europe, several countries celebrate VE Day on May 9.   

Celebrations broke out across Europe and the United States as the news swept the world. President Harry Truman addressed the nation on his 61st birthday, cheering the victory while reminding the nation that the victory over Japan was not yet achieved. 

VE Day, a moment of overwhelming joy and relief, was earned through the service and sacrifice of a generation dedicated to unity and victory.

 Learn more of their story them at the World War II Memorial and the Dwight D. Eisenhower Memorial.