Today marks the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day or V-E Day. On this day in 1945, celebrations erupted around the world to mark the end of World War II in Europe.

The war had been raging for almost five years when Allied forces landed on the beaches of Normandy, France on June 6, 1944. The invasion signalled the beginning of the end for Adolf Hitler and Nazi Germany. In less than a year, Germany would surrender and Hitler would be dead.

On May 7, 1945, Germany signed an unconditional surrender at the headquarters of US General Dwight D. Eisenhower, Commander of Allied forces in northwest Europe, at Reims. Germany then went on to sign a second, very similar, document of surrender in Berlin on the same day.

The surrender took effect on May 8 at 11:01 PM Central European time (CET). Victory in Europe (V-E) Day was celebrated by crowds in Canada, Europe and many Allied Nations around the world.

More than 1,000,000 Canadians and Newfoundlanders served in the Second World War—and more than 45,000 gave their lives. Canadians continue to remember and thank our gallant soldiers for their bravery and service in defense of our peace and freedom.

~ Images from Veterans Affairs Canada