The Good War: Why V-E Day Mustn't Be Forgotten

Forbes

07-05-2025

There's a civic duty to share the memory of great national achievements like V-E Day. (Photo by ... More European/FPG/) Getty Images
May 8 marks the 80th anniversary of 'V-E Day'; when the Nazi forces surrendered to the Allies and brought the European portion of World War II to a close. It is a critical date in American - and world - history. Yet with the passage of both time, and of 'The Greatest Generation' which fought the war, its memory is fading in public awareness and gratitude. And that's a shame.
For V-E Day represents the ultimate triumph of good versus evil. A fractious yet dedicated collection of nations allied to defeat perhaps the greatest manifestation of state-sponsored iniquity in history. It came with great cost, and followed with great change.
Some among us may have a rudimentary awareness of the fight ('We were the good guys; they were the really bad guys.'). But as a recent The Washington Post opinion notes, many lack awareness of the ultimate significance of what Studs Terkel labeled 'The Good War':
A Global Conflict : For almost six years, the battle encompassed virtually half the globe; from the ice of Archangel harbor to the warm waters of the South Atlantic; from the skies over London to the steppes of western Russia. While the security of the American mainland was never breached, the normalcy of its culture was most certainly so.
From the Ashes : The Allied effort included forces from several countries that had been conquered by the Nazis; e.g., France, Belgium, Holland, Greece and Poland. Britain itself was nearly brought to its knees in the early part of the war.
A Close Call : Although the war began in September 1939, the Allies' turning point didn't arrive until 1943 in North Africa, and victory was not assured until the December 1944 Battle of the Bulge.
The Cold War : The grand alliance quickly dissipated after victory, as the Soviet Union converted eastern Europe behind what Churchill described in 1946 as an 'Iron Curtain.'
Old Enemies, New Friends : Germany and Italy rebuilt, with help from the Marshall Plan; converted from authoritarian to democratic rule; joined NATO and became for many years staunch allies and trading partners of the United States.
Incomparable Leadership : The victory was achieved in part by the efforts of an historically exceptional quintet of leaders: Churchill, Roosevelt, Eisenhower, Marshall and, yes, Stalin.
A Virtuous Cause : It was a war fought not for territorial gain but rather to eradicate evil. Supreme Commander Dwight D. Eisenhower described it as a 'Great Crusade' — 'the free men of the world marching together in a great and noble undertaking.'
The original V-E Day prompted an incredible release of national emotion; a joyous sense of closure to an extraordinary threat to America. Harry Truman described it as 'a solemn and a glorious hour'. It was a remarkable moment in time; celebrated by people who longed for peace; by soldiers who longed to live; by the oppressed, who longed for freedom; and for nations, which longed for hope.
Our national heritage is diminished should the date's significance fade with time.
In his Farewell Address to the nation, President Ronald Reagan warned of an eradication of the American memory that could result, ultimately, in an erosion of the American spirit. 'If we forget what we did, we won't know who we are.' But those who lived through, and taught us about V-E Day - our fathers, our uncles, our grandfathers, our neighbors - are no longer around to help teach others.
That's now up to us, and it's important that we do so.