Let's cut straight to it: VE Day stands for Victory in Europe Day. It marks the day Nazi Germany officially surrendered to the Allies, effectively ending World War II in Europe. But here's where it gets sticky – pinning down exactly what and when was VE Day isn't as straightforward as flipping a calendar. See, the Germans signed surrender documents twice. That's right, twice. The first signing happened late at night on May 7th, 1945, in a little schoolhouse in Reims, France. The second happened just past midnight on May 8th in Berlin. And that timing difference? It caused celebrations to erupt on different days across the continent.
I remember digging through my grandad's old letters once. He was stationed near Dover during the war. His entry for May 7th just said: "Rumors flying. Command says stand down, but no official word." Then May 8th: "Whole town gone mad. Bonfires, singing, strangers hugging. Never seen anything like it." That messy, human reality captures the confusion better than any textbook. So when people ask what and when was VE Day, I tell them it depends on *where* you were standing.
Wait, Why Two Surrender Signings?
Simple: Politics and distrust. Stalin, the Soviet leader, didn't trust the first surrender signed in Reims. He insisted on a second ceremony in Berlin, firmly within the Soviet-controlled zone. He wanted the world to see Germany's defeat happening under the Soviet eye. The Reims signing was at 2:41 AM on May 7th. The Berlin signing happened shortly after midnight on May 8th. Moscow time being ahead meant the Soviets celebrated on May 9th. Confusing? Absolutely.
The Lead-Up: How the End Finally Came
By late April 1945, Hitler was holed up in his Berlin bunker. The Soviets were closing in, street by brutal street. American and British forces were sweeping through Germany from the west. It was over, everyone knew it. Hitler killed himself on April 30th. Grand Admiral Karl Dönitz took over, but his job wasn't to win – it was to surrender while trying to save as many Germans as possible from Soviet capture.
The negotiating was tense. Dönitz wanted to surrender ONLY to the Western Allies (US and Britain), hoping his troops could then fight the Soviets. Eisenhower, the Supreme Allied Commander, bluntly refused. Total surrender, to all Allies, or no deal. That ultimatum forced Dönitz's hand. He sent General Alfred Jodl to Reims to sign the unconditional surrender of all German forces.
It's wild to think how close we came to a different ending. If Eisenhower hadn't held firm, the war could have dragged on in the east, costing countless more lives. That stubbornness, while brutal, probably saved thousands.
The Reims Signing (May 7, 1945)
This happened at the Supreme Headquarters Allied Expeditionary Force (SHAEF). Picture a map-covered room in a technical school filled with tired officers. Jodl signed at 2:41 AM local time. The ceasefire was set for 11:01 PM on May 8th. News leaked immediately. War correspondents broke the story, leading to spontaneous celebrations in the West on May 7th, even though it wasn't "official" yet. Eisenhower had to issue a swift order: no official celebration until the Soviets signed off.
The Berlin Signing (May 8, 1945)
To appease Stalin, a second signing was arranged. Field Marshal Wilhelm Keitel represented Germany this time. The ceremony started just before midnight on May 8th in Karlshorst, Berlin. Keitel signed the final German Instrument of Surrender at 00:16 AM on May 9th, Central European Time. Because of the time difference, Moscow was already well into May 9th. That's why Russia and many former Soviet states commemorate Victory Day on May 9th.
| Where | When (Local Time) | Who Signed for Germany | Who Witnessed | Key Point | Resulting Celebration Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Reims, France (SHAEF HQ) | May 7, 1945 2:41 AM |
General Alfred Jodl | Gen. Walter Bedell Smith (USA), Gen. Ivan Susloparov (USSR)*, Gen. François Sevez (France) | Initial surrender document | Triggered unofficial celebrations May 7th (West) |
| Berlin, Germany (Soviet HQ) | May 8/9, 1945 (Started ~11:30 PM May 8, Signed 00:16 AM May 9) |
Field Marshal Wilhelm Keitel | Marshal Georgy Zhukov (USSR), Air Chief Marshal Arthur Tedder (UK), Gen. Carl Spaatz (USA), Gen. Jean de Lattre de Tassigny (France) | Final, definitive ratification demanded by Stalin | Official VE Day: May 8th (West), May 9th (USSR/Eastern Bloc) |
*Susloparov signed in Reims without explicit Kremlin authorization, causing an uproar in Moscow.
So When Was VE Day Actually Celebrated?
This is the core of what and when was VE Day for most people:
- May 8, 1945: The United Kingdom, the United States, France, Canada, and most Western European nations. Winston Churchill announced victory from 10 Downing Street. King George VI addressed the nation. Massive crowds gathered in London (especially Trafalgar Square and outside Buckingham Palace), New York (Times Square), Paris (Champs-Élysées).
- May 9, 1945: The Soviet Union (and now Russia, Belarus, Ukraine, Kazakhstan, etc.). Due to the time zone difference and the Berlin signing occurring after midnight Moscow time. Celebrations centered on Moscow's Red Square.
London Crowd
500,000+
Estimated in streets May 8, 1945NYC Celebrators
2 Million+
In Times Square May 8, 1945Soviet Losses
27 Million
Military & civilian deaths by May 1945The atmosphere? Pure, unadulterated relief mixed with exhaustion and grief. Six long years of blackouts, rationing (which actually continued for years after!), bombing raids, separation, and unimaginable loss. Streets were packed. People danced, sang, kissed strangers, soldiers were mobbed with gratitude (and drinks!). Bonfires were lit. Effigies of Hitler burned. Church bells rang non-stop. But it wasn't all joy. For millions mourning lost loved ones, it was a somber day. And the war was still raging brutally in the Pacific. Soldiers there often felt forgotten amidst the European celebrations.
Key Moments That Define VE Day
Churchill's Balcony Appearance
At 3 PM on May 8th, PM Winston Churchill broadcast to the nation confirming victory. Shortly after, he appeared on the balcony of the Ministry of Health building in Whitehall, London, to a massive sea of people. His iconic "Victory" hand gestures (V for Victory) cemented the image forever. He reportedly told the crowd, "This is your victory!" and they roared back, "No, it's yours!"
The Royal Family on the Balcony
King George VI, Queen Elizabeth (the late Queen Mother), Princess Elizabeth (future Queen, then 19), and Princess Margaret (14) appeared on the balcony of Buckingham Palace multiple times throughout the day. Princesses Elizabeth and Margaret famously slipped out incognito to mingle with the crowds – Elizabeth in her ATS uniform. Can you imagine? Just blending in on the biggest party day in history.
Times Square Kiss
Alfred Eisenstaedt's iconic photograph of a sailor kissing a nurse in Times Square on May 8th became *the* symbol of American jubilation. Though the identities of the people remain debated (it likely wasn't a single couple), the raw emotion captured the moment perfectly. Pure, spontaneous joy.
Moscow's Fireworks
On the night of May 9th, Moscow saw its largest ever artillery salute – a thousand guns fired 30 celebratory salvos. The sky lit up over the Kremlin. It was a display of immense military might and a cathartic release for a nation that had suffered more than any other Allied power.
VE Day Trivia You Might Not Know
- Rationing Didn't Stop: Celebrations happened, but rationing (tea, butter, clothes, bacon!) actually got stricter in the UK *after* VE Day due to supply shortages.
- The Forgotten Prisoners: Millions of POWs and displaced persons weren't home for VE Day. Their ordeal continued for months or years.
- Pacific War Raged: Soldiers fighting Japan felt a complex mix of happiness for Europe and dread knowing their brutal conflict continued. US President Truman dedicated only part of his May 8th speech to VE Day, emphasizing the ongoing fight against Japan.
- "Double V" for Black Americans: Many African American soldiers and civilians saw victory over fascism abroad intertwined with the fight against racism at home. Their celebration was tempered.
- Channel Islands Liberation: The only part of Britain occupied by Germany (Jersey & Guernsey) was liberated on May 9th, adding another date!
How VE Day is Remembered and Commemorated Today?
It's faded a bit, hasn't it? Compared to the raw, all-consuming celebration of 1945. But it's still marked, especially on major anniversaries (like the 50th or 75th). Understanding what and when was VE Day involves seeing how its memory lives on:
| Country/Region | Current Name & Date | Typical Commemorations | Public Holiday? |
|---|---|---|---|
| United Kingdom | VE Day, May 8th | Church services, wreath-laying at war memorials, street parties (esp. anniversaries), BBC broadcasts archive footage, 2-minute silence often observed. | No (except major anniversaries, e.g., 2020 75th) |
| France | Victoire 1945 / Fête de la Victoire, May 8th | National public holiday. Military parades (largest on Champs-Élysées), presidential wreath-laying at Tomb of the Unknown Soldier (Arc de Triomphe), flag displays, local ceremonies. | Yes |
| United States | V-E Day / Victory in Europe Day, May 8th | Observances at WWII memorials (especially National WWII Museum in New Orleans), educational events, veterans groups meet. Less prominent nationally than Memorial Day/Veterans Day. | No |
| Russia & most former USSR | Victory Day, May 9th | Massive military parade on Red Square (Moscow), Immortal Regiment marches (civilians carrying photos of veteran relatives), "George Ribbon" wearing, fireworks, deep reverence as cornerstone of national identity. | Yes (Major holiday) |
| Germany | Befreiung vom Nationalsozialismus (Liberation from National Socialism), May 8th | Day of reflection and remembrance, not celebration. Focus on liberation from Nazi tyranny and responsibility for history. Political speeches, educational events, visits to concentration camp memorials. | Yes (in some states, Berlin since 2020) |
I visited Berlin on May 8th a few years back. The contrast was stark compared to photos of London or Paris in '45. Quiet reflection near the Brandenburg Gate, small ceremonies. It felt heavy, respectful, and focused on the lessons learned, not any kind of victory. It made me rethink the whole meaning of liberation.
Common Questions About VE Day (What People Really Ask)
What does VE Day stand for?
VE Day stands for Victory in Europe Day. It marks the formal acceptance by the Allies of Nazi Germany's unconditional surrender of its armed forces.
What date was VE Day celebrated in 1945?
This is the core of what and when was VE Day. Most Western Allies (UK, US, France, Canada etc.) celebrated on Tuesday, May 8, 1945. The Soviet Union and its allies celebrated on Wednesday, May 9, 1945, due to the timing of the final surrender signing in Berlin and time zone differences.
Why did the Soviets celebrate VE Day on May 9th?
Two main reasons: 1) The definitive surrender document was signed in Berlin (Soviet-controlled zone) just past midnight on May 9th (Central European Time). 2) Because of the time difference, by the time news reached Moscow, it was already early morning on May 9th. Stalin insisted on a separate ceremony and announcement focused on the Soviet role.
Was World War 2 over after VE Day?
No. This is a crucial point often overshadowed. VE Day marked the end of the war in Europe. The war against Japan in the Pacific and Asia continued fiercely for another three and a half months. Victory over Japan Day (VJ Day) occurred on August 15, 1945 (when Japan announced surrender) and September 2, 1945 (formal signing). Countless lives were lost between May and August 1945.
Who announced VE Day in Britain?
Prime Minister Winston Churchill made the official announcement via radio broadcast shortly after 3 PM on May 8, 1945. King George VI also addressed the nation later that evening. Churchill's balcony appearances became legendary.
Is VE Day still a public holiday?
It depends on the country:
- France: Yes, May 8th is a national public holiday.
- Russia & most former Soviet states: Yes, May 9th (Victory Day) is a major national holiday.
- United Kingdom: Not usually. It becomes a one-off public holiday for major anniversaries (like the 50th in 1995 or the 75th in 2020).
- United States: No, it is not a federal public holiday.
- Germany (Berlin): May 8th became an official public holiday in Berlin in 2020, commemorating liberation. Some other German states mark it but not universally as a day off.
How long did VE Day celebrations last in 1945?
The peak frenzy was May 8th and through the night in Western countries. Public celebrations (parties, bonfires) continued sporadically for a few days, especially over the following weekend. However, the war's end didn't magically solve hardships – rationing continued, rebuilding was monumental, and the human cost was deeply felt. The mood shifted quickly back to the challenges of peacetime.
What's the difference between VE Day and VJ Day?
- VE Day (Victory in Europe Day - May 8/9, 1945): Marks the defeat of Nazi Germany and the end of WWII in Europe.
- VJ Day (Victory over Japan Day): Marks the defeat of Imperial Japan and the end of WWII entirely. There are two common dates:
- August 15, 1945: When Emperor Hirohito announced Japan's surrender via radio (celebrated especially in the US/UK).
- September 2, 1945: When the formal surrender documents were signed aboard the USS Missouri in Tokyo Bay (official end date recognized by many governments).
The Legacy and Why Understanding VE Day Still Matters
Knowing what and when was VE Day is more than historical trivia. It marks a hinge point in modern history. The sheer relief felt across Britain, America, France, and other liberated nations is hard to grasp today. Six years of total war, darkness, and loss ending, literally overnight for millions. But the Soviet experience, marked by May 9th, reminds us that victory came at an almost incomprehensible human cost for them – estimates of 27 million dead still boggle the mind.
The end of the war in Europe didn't bring instant peace or prosperity. It ushered in the Cold War, the division of Germany and Europe, the painful process of rebuilding shattered cities and lives, and the reckoning with the Holocaust's horrors. VE Day was a moment of profound joy, yes, but it was also the starting line for a complex new world. It reminds us that ending a conflict is just the first step; building a lasting peace is the harder, longer task. Understanding the nuances of those days in May 1945 – the double signings, the different dates, the mix of euphoria and sorrow – helps us better understand the world that emerged from the ashes and the challenges we still face today. It’s a story worth getting right.
Final Thought: Next time someone asks what and when was VE Day, tell them it's the day Europe stopped holding its breath. But don't forget to mention May 9th, or the ongoing war in the Pacific, or the soldiers stuck in POW camps. History is messy, and VE Day is a perfect example.
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