The victorious countries of World War II in 1945 are marking the 80th anniversary of its end today with festive events on what has been declared Victory in Europe Day, DPA reports, informing that a series of commemorative events are planned on the continent. The Act of Unconditional Surrender of Nazi Germany, defeated by the Allied Forces, was signed today, May 8, BTA reports.
Great Britain will mark the day with a mass at Westminster Abbey and a grand concert in the capital, London. Especially in honor of Europe Day, traditional British pubs will be open later than usual, DPA specifies.
"We must all come together and honor the sacrifice of the military generation, which must never be forgotten", said British Prime Minister Keir Starmer on the occasion.
On Monday, a military parade was held in London, which was hosted by British King Charles III. Memorable quotes from the British Prime Minister during World War II - Winston Churchill were recalled. In addition, King Charles hosted military veterans for tea at Buckingham Palace.
Paris will mark the anniversary with the traditional laying of wreaths at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at the Arc de Triomphe in the French capital by French President Emmanuel Macron. A military parade is planned on the central avenue "Champs-elysées". Parades are also being organized in other places in Europe, DPA added.
Germany is also expected to mark today's anniversary of the fall of the Nazi regime. A ceremony is planned in the Bundestag - the lower house of the German parliament, DPA notes. German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier has prepared a speech on the lessons of history, his office announced.
The government of US President Donald Trump has not explicitly announced whether and what kind of celebrations will take place today, DPA notes. The United States, which continued hostilities against Japan after May 8, 1945, played a decisive role in the victory of the Allied forces over Nazi Germany during the Normandy landings in 1944.