“What happened here on May 8 1945?” I ask you, standing here at Mail du 8 Mai 1945. This place commemorates a pivotal day. It marks the end of World War II in Europe.
Mail du 8 Mai 1945 is named to remember Victory in Europe Day. This day marks the Allies’ triumph over Nazi Germany. The German army’s surrender was first signed in Reims on May 7 1945. The official surrender ceremony was in Berlin on May 8th. Representatives from the USSR France Great Britain and the USA were present.
General de Gaulle announced the victory on May 8 1945. Church bells across France rang spreading jubilation. However May 8th also recalls the Setif Guelma and Kherrata massacres. These events underscore France’s complex historical memory.
Until 1953 France celebrated the end of World War II on two dates. These were May 16th for Saint Joan of Arc and November 11th for Armistice Day. May 8th became a National Holiday in 1953. General de Gaulle suppressed the holiday in 1959 to foster reconciliation with Germany. Celebrations were reinstated on May 8 1968 but after office hours.
President Giscard d’Estaing abolished the commemoration in 1975. He aimed to prevent prejudice against Germany. President Mitterrand restored the commemoration of Victory in 1945 in 1981. May 8th became an official National Day in France in 1982. It honors those who fought for freedom and peace.
French people commemorate Victory in Europe Day with solemn ceremonies. In Paris the President leads ceremonies at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. This is located beneath the Arc de Triomphe. Municipalities organize parades and tributes throughout France. The French flag and a municipal band often lead processions. Participants include mayors veterans associations clergy and local dignitaries.
The flag is hoisted and officials give speeches. Wreaths are laid at war memorials. The Sonnerie aux Morts is played as flag bearers lower their flags. A minute of silence is observed. Then La Marseillaise is sung. The band concludes with Rompez les Rangs. Attendees are invited to a reception at the town hall. State offices banks and many shops are closed on May 8th.
The 8th of May marks the unconditional surrender of Nazi Germany’s armed forces. The French refer to it as le 8 mai 1945 or Jour de la Victoire en Europe. The Germans had occupied Paris from June 22 1940. The Liberation of Paris occurred in August 1944. But la Libération de Paris wasn’t the end of the war.
German Marshal Alfred Jodl signed the German Army surrender on May 7 1945. He signed in a high school in Reims. Western journalists quickly spread the news. However fighting continued on the eastern front. Another surrender act was signed in Berlin. Representatives from the USSR Great Britain France and the USA were present. Russian marshal Georgi Joukov opened the ceremony. Marshal Wilhelm Keitel led the German representatives. He signed the capitulation act at 11:01 pm.
The official capitulation of Japan occurred on September 2 1945. This marked the end of the Second World War.
Since 1953 French authorities have made the 8th of May a public holiday. President Charles De Gaulle suppressed it to be on friendly terms with Germany. Valéry Giscard d’Estaing also suppressed the commemoration. François Mitterrand requested its restoration in 1981. He also made it a public holiday again.
Nowadays most French people respect and commemorate this public holiday. Shops are closed. Families bring flowers to war memorials. The French President and officials lay wreaths on the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. This is at the Arc de Triomphe. The Arc de Triomphe is adorned with a giant French flag. The Tricolour often stays there until Bastille Day.
In 2015 France celebrated the 70th anniversary of the Peace Treaty. There were a great number of commemorations and events. The 75th anniversary of VE Day in France took place on 8th May 2020. The commemorations were strictly limited due to the pandemic.
The Mail du 8 Mai 1945 stands as a reminder. It is a place to reflect on the past and honor those who fought for peace.