Victory in Europe Day

Victory in Europe Day is the day celebrating the formal acceptance by the Allies of World War II of Germany’s unconditional surrender of its armed forces on Tuesday, May 8, 1945; it marked the official end of World War II in Europe in the Eastern Front, with the last known shots fired on May 11. Russia and some former Soviet countries celebrate on May 9, as Germany’s unconditional surrender entered into force at 23:01 on May 8 Central European Time; this corresponded with 00:01 on May 9 in Moscow Time. Several countries observe public holidays on the day each year, also called Victory Over Fascism Day, Liberation Day, or Victory Day. In the UK it is often abbreviated to VE Day, a term which existed as early as September 1944, in anticipation of victory.

Origin: France