May 8 in France: Victory in Europe Day
by Sophie K., Toulouse Office
The background…
The Victory in Europe Day commemorates 8 May 1945, the date when the World War II Allies accepted the unconditional surrender of Nazi Germany and Adolf Hitler’s Third Reich.
Upon this defeat, celebrations erupted in the entire Western world, from Moscow to the United Kingdom, from New-York to France.
In France, it was declared a bank holiday from 1953 to 1959, then this tradition was given up until 1982. Nowadays, it remains a holiday to celebrate the end of WWII and the French people’s freedom.
On May 8, 1945, church bells rang to communicate and celebrate the message given by Charles De Gaulle, the leader of the Free French Forces, after a six-year war marked by Nazi oppression.
What do people do?
Schools spend the period before May 8 focusing on the history of World War II. These lessons ensure that all generations know what happened during the war and why it is important to preserve everyone’s rights in modern society.
Many people attend parades and church services on May 8, some others sing patriotic songs and display the French national flag on their homes and public buildings.
The mood on WWII Victory Day is generally happy but people may also make time to remember family members or others who died during World War II.
