Victory in Europe Day
Victory in Europe Day, also known as V-E Day, celebrates the surrender of Nazi Forces to the Allies during World War II, on May 8, 1945.
It is a national observance, but not a public holiday, so businesses and schools remain open.
History
After Adolf Hitler's suicide on April 30, his successor Karl Donitz declared the Nazis' surrender by negotiating the end of the war with the Allies and signing an act of unconditional surrender on May 7, and officializing it on May 8, in Berlin.
With this, all around Europe, German soldiers laid down their guns, and a final cease-fire was declared.
Celebrations
All around the world, people took to the streets to celebrate the end of the War in Europe, and many partied well into the night.
In the United States, President Truman dedicated this victory to President Franklin D. Roosevelt, who was essential in the victories of the United States during World War II and had died just one month before victory day. Even though this was a day of celebration, the flags remained at half-staff in Roosevelt's memory. Still, thousands of people took to Times Square and other American cities to commemorate the Germans' surrender.
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