VE Day: See historic photos after World War II fighting ended in Europe
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80 years on: VE Day and Europe's liberation
This year marks the 80th anniversary of the Allies' victory over Nazi Germany and the end of the war in Europe, which claimed millions of lives.
unbranded - Newsworthy
May 8 marks 80 years since the close of the European theater in World War II, when Nazi Germany surrendered to the Allies.
The fighting in Europe stopped when the Chief of Staff of the German Armed Forces High Command, Alfred Jodl, surrendered at General Dwight D. Eisenhower's Allied headquarters in Reims on May 7, 1945.
Mere weeks after assuming the office, President Harry Truman said in his address to the nation, "the flags of freedom fly over all Europe," according to the National World War II Museum.
In London, Winston Churchill addressed the cheering crowds saying, "This is your victory." The crowds responded, "No, it's yours," according to the museum.
Truman designated May 8 as VE Day and the western allies followed suit, according to the museum. However, the Soviet Union recognizes its Victory Day on May 9 after having a second set of surrender documents signed by German Field Marshal Wilhelm Keitel on May 8, 1945.
Fighting in the Pacific theater continued for weeks, until the Japanese government surrendered on Aug. 14, 1945.
See what it looked like as the surrender took place and the celebrations commenced on Victory in Europe Day, 1945.
Europe celebrates end of fighting, first VE Day
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