8th May

The end of the European phase of World War II is celebrated on May 8, 1945. Victory in Europe was commemorated with celebrations all around the world in recognition of the unconditional surrender of all German forces signed in Reims, France, the day before. British pšrime minister Winston Churchill told war-weary Londoners, This is your victory, while U.S. President Harry Truman reminded Americans that until Japan's defeat, Victory is but half-won. On August 14, Japan agreed to surrender to the Allies after a momentous eight days that saw two U.S. atomic bombs dropped on Japan and a declaration of war by the Soviets. On September 2, World War II officially ended with the signing of Japan's surrender on the USS Missouri in Tokyo Bay.