Victory in Europe Day, known as VE Day, is a significant holiday in France. It's annually celebrated on May 8th and commemorates the formal acceptance by the Allies during World War II of Nazi Germany’s unconditional surrender of its armed forces. This acknowledged surrender marked the end of World War II in Europe. The occasion is filled with various activities, including remembrance services and military parades to honour those who fought during the war.
In France, the profound experience of occupation during World War II gives VE Day a particular resonance. It is observed as a public holiday, with schools, businesses, and government offices generally closed. French citizens take time out on the day to remember the millions who died during the war, with many laying flowers on the graves of fallen soldiers. VE Day is considered an occasion for praise but also a time for somber reflection on the costs of war.
Traditional celebrations include the French President laying a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, which is located beneath the Arch of Triumph in Paris. The Eternal Flame at the tomb, which has been burning continuously since 1921, is rekindled on this day. Parades and marches, both large and small, also occur across the country. While the holiday celebrates the end of a dark chapter in European history, it also serves as a reminder of the nation's pledge for peace, unity, and understanding among all nations to prevent further global conflicts.