INTERNATIONAL DAY

Victory Over Europe Day (V-E) Day

On Victory Over Europe Day (V-E) Day, we make a little room on the calendar for the thing that makes us who we are.

MAY8

Saturday, May 8Every year on May 8

days to go

Roots: Formal acceptance of Nazi Germany's surrender
Vibe: A mix of celebration and solemn remembrance
Also on May 8: Military Spouse Appreciation Day · Provider Appreciation Day · Have a Coke Day
Hashtag: #VictoryOverEuropeDayVEDay

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Ways to celebrate

Small, doable ways to celebrate Victory Over Europe Day (V-E) Day.

Do one small thing that makes the day feel marked.
Tell someone what you're celebrating and why.
Share a post, a photo, or a memory connected to it.
Make a tiny tradition — something you could do again next year.
Let it be simple. Not every celebration has to be a production.

Make it your kind of celebration

Family
Do one small thing together that everyone will remember.
Kids
Turn it into a craft, a story, or a snack — meet them where they are.
Couples
Use the day as an excuse for a little intentional time together.
Office
Acknowledge the day in the team chat or at a stand-up. Small, sincere, fast.
School
Anchor a short lesson or activity around the day.
Community
Share, volunteer, or donate to make the day mean something locally.
Just me
Celebrate quietly and completely. One person can still mark a day.

Plan ahead

Victory Over Europe Day (V-E) Day is observed on May 8 every year. Here is where it lands for the next ten years, handy for planners, marketers and party people.

2026Fri, May 8this year

2027Sat, May 8

2028Mon, May 8

2029Tue, May 8

2030Wed, May 8

2031Thu, May 8

2032Sat, May 8

2033Sun, May 8

2034Mon, May 8

2035Tue, May 8

2036Thu, May 8

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Fast facts

Approximately 16 millionAmericans served in WWII

Tens of millions of military personnel served worldwide

The story

On May 8, 1945, Europe erupted with celebrations marking the end of World War II. This day, known as Victory Over Europe Day or V-E Day, came after nearly six years of a brutal conflict that claimed millions of lives. The unconditional surrender of Nazi Germany was officially ratified in Berlin, and news of the victory spread rapidly across the Allied nations. The joy was palpable, with spontaneous celebrations breaking out in cities from London to New York.

Read the full story

In the United States, President Harry S. Truman addressed the nation, declaring May 8 a day of celebration and reflection. Americans took to the streets, waving flags and embracing one another, unified in the relief that the war in Europe had come to a close. Many citizens attended parades, while others gathered in homes to listen to news broadcasts and share stories of loved ones who had served. V-E Day became a symbol of hope and a new beginning.

While V-E Day was a moment of triumph, it was also a time to remember the sacrifices made during the war. Families who had lost loved ones were reminded of their grief amidst the celebrations. Veterans returned home, some forever changed by their experiences, while communities began the long process of healing. The day was marked by a realization that peace was fragile and needed to be actively pursued.

As we reflect on V-E Day today, it serves as a reminder of the importance of unity, resilience, and the ongoing quest for peace. Commemorating this day encourages us to honor those who fought for freedom and to educate future generations about the lessons learned from the past. Through events, discussions, and personal reflections, we can ensure that the spirit of V-E Day lives on.