Trump, Palmer, Aderholt mark 80th Anniversary of VE Day
In America and across Europe, nations joined in celebrating the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day (VE Day) on May 8.
The defeat of Adolf Hitler’s regime came after nearly six years of brutal warfare, culminating in the Soviet Red Army’s storming of Berlin and the suicide of the Führer in his bunker. Germany’s unconditional surrender, signed in Reims, France, and later ratified in Berlin, brought an end to a war that had claimed over 50 million lives.
While General Dwight D. Eisenhower, Supreme Commander of the Allied forces in Europe actually accepted the unconditional surrender of Nazi Germany at 2:41 a.m. local time on May 7 in Reims, France, the official announcement was delayed until the following day.
President Donald J. Trump, in his “Victory Day for World War II, 2025” Proclamation, said:
“May 8, 1945 marks the Allies’ acceptance of Germany’s unconditional surrender — the beginning of the end of years of long, gruesome, and brutal warfare. The millions of souls senselessly lost serve as a reminder of why we must pursue peace through strength. I remain steadfastly devoted to stopping the years of endless foreign wars and preventing the further loss of lives. As I stated during my Inaugural Address, we will measure our success not only by the battles we win but also by the wars we end — and my proudest legacy will be that of a peacemaker.”
Alabama Congressmen Gary Palmer IR-AL6) and Robert Aderholt (R-AL4) took to social media to mark the Day.
Rep. Palmer posted, “May 8 marks one of the most important dates in world history. The Allied victory and ending of WWII began a new era of freedom over tyranny. Today, we celebrate the courage of the Greatest Generation and honor their willingness to lay down their lives for the sake of liberty.”
Rep. Aderholt said on Facebook that, “Today marks 80 years since Victory in Europe Day. We remember the courage of our Allied forces, honor the 400,000+ Americans who gave their lives in WWII, and recommit ourselves to the cause of freedom they fought for.”
Veterans organizations across America led commemorative events honoring the survivors who served in the conflict in Europe. One such Veteran, Harry Miller, recalled what happened when his unit heard the news. "Some of us lay down and went to sleep," he recalled. "Some of us were patting each other on the back. Some were shaking hands. And some just couldn't believe it."
Miller served in the 740th Tank Battalion, and was in the lakeside town of Schwerin in northern Germany when his unit was notified about the surrender..
The United Kingdom marked VE Day with a series of solemn ceremonies and public events, reflecting on the sacrifices made during the war and the enduring importance of peace. A central Service of Thanksgiving was held at Westminster Abbey, attended by King Charles III, Queen Camilla, Prince William, Princess Kate, and other senior members of the royal family. The service included a national two-minute silence, readings, and the laying of wreaths at the Grave of the Unknown Warrior.
Internationally, France and Germany held their own ceremonies. In Paris, President Emmanuel Macron laid a wreath at the statue of Charles de Gaulle and rekindled the eternal flame at the Tomb of the Unknown Warrior. In Berlin, President Frank-Walter Steinmeier participated in national tributes.
As the number of surviving World War II veterans dwindles, the 80th anniversary of VE Day serves as a solemn reminder of the past and a call to uphold the values of peace and unity for future generations.
