77th Anniversary of V-E Day

This weekend marks the 77th anniversary of “V-E Day,” the official declaration of Victory in Europe as the Second World War neared its end. 

While I’ve read descriptions of the euphoric celebrations, I think that some of the images from the day capture the story best. 

“The first flyers announcing the German surrender outside the Adresseavisen newspaper building.” Norway had been occupied by Germany since April of 1940.       (Image courtesy of Wikimedia Commons, and from Frigjøringsdagen 8 mai 1945 / VE Day in Trondheim (1945), Author: Municipal Archives of Trondheim from Trondheim, Norway. Licensed under Creative Commons. The link is here to view the license information.)

Also in Norway- the adults weren’t the only ones celebrating. (Image courtesy of Wikimedia Commons, and from Frigjøringsdagen 8 mai 1945 / VE Day in Trondheim (1945), Author: Municipal Archives of Trondheim from Trondheim, Norway. Licensed under Creative Commons. Here is the link to view licensing info.)

 

U.S. MPs read the news in the Stars and Stripes

 

The VE Day “Stars and Stripes- Paris edition.

 

“VE Day Passing out Champagne to 1139th troops.” image courtesy Wikimedia Commons.

From a quick search, it appears that the 1139th Engineer Combat Group served with General Patton’s Third Army through France.

“VE-day parade, Afula, Israel, 1945” image courtesy of Wikimedia Commons

V-E Day celebrations on Bay Street, Toronto, Canada. Image Courtesy of Wikimedia Commons

Exciting headlines on newspapers in Baltimore, MA (image courtesy of Wikimedia commons, licensing info linked here)

I could not find a VE Day picture of Harry Truman, who took up the United States’ Presidencey after the death of F.D.R. However, I found an audio file of his VE Day speech, linked here- a fascinating 4 minute listen.

British P.M. Winston Churchill waves to crowds at Whitehall.

 

VE Day at Buckingham Palace. (You may notice the then Princess Elizabeth in uniform.) Image courtesy of Wikimedia Commons

 

Image courtesy of the Imperial War Museums © IWM (HU 41808) “Revellers ride a truck along the Strand in London”

 

Nighttime light display over the King David hotel and YMCA, courtesy of the U.S. Library of Congress

In spite of all of the rejoicing and celebrating, VE Day was not the end of the fighting for everyone.

Above: Troops on Okinawa hear the news of Germany’s surrender. They still have a long way to go, however- Japan would not surrender until September 2.

 

Many thanks for visiting and marking this day of remembrance with me.