VE Day 81st Anniversary — Ceremonies in Washington, Paris, and Across the Alliance

Allied nations observed the 81st anniversary of Victory in Europe Day on May 8, 2026, marking the moment Nazi Germany's unconditional surrender took effect at midnight on May 8–9, 1945, ending six years of war in Europe. In Washington, D.C., veterans and dignitaries gathered at the National World War II Memorial on the National Mall for an official ceremony featuring remarks by officials, a wreath-laying at the Freedom Wall (which bears 4,048 gold stars — one for every 100 American service personnel killed), and musical tributes by the U.S. Army Brass Quintet and a bugler performing taps. Six WWII veterans were among those honored; Kevin Griess, superintendent of the National Mall and Memorial Parks, stated 'This memorial reflects our freedoms, our responsibilities to those who came before us.' Col. Christoffer Knutsen of the Royal Norwegian Embassy represented Allied nations at the ceremony. The National WWII Museum in New Orleans held a simultaneous free public event at the Louisiana Memorial Pavilion, available both in person and online. In Paris, French President Emmanuel Macron presided over the Arc de Triomphe ceremony beginning at 10:30 AM — laying a wreath at the foot of the statue of General Charles de Gaulle at the Place Clemenceau before leading a procession along the Champs-Elysées to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, where he rekindled the eternal flame. Macron shook hands with Ukrainian servicemen invited to represent a nation still at war with Russia. Smaller VE Day ceremonies took place in London, Brussels, Warsaw, and across NATO member states. The White House issued a presidential proclamation designating May 8 'Victory Day for World War II' and calling on citizens to reflect on the sacrifices of the Greatest Generation. An estimated 196,600 Jewish Holocaust survivors remain alive worldwide, according to data released by the Conference on Jewish Material Claims Against Germany.