After much public debate, it also became an official national holiday in 1982. On October 2, 1981, WWII Victory Day became a public holiday. Many veterans protested against this decision and continued to commemorate WWII Victory Day locally on May 8. In 1975 the French President decided that there should be no official or national commemoration of the end of World War II. This public holiday was only observed once, in 1965 to celebrate the 20 th anniversary of the end of WWII. Alfred Jodl signed Germany’s surrender on all fronts in Reims, France. The first was on May 7, 1945, when German Col. There were actually two surrender signings. It wasn’t until April 1, 1965, the government announced that May 8, 1965, would be a special holiday to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the end of World War II. The 76th anniversary (aka VE Day 76) of V-E Day is on Sunday, and is recognized as part of National Military Appreciation Month. When did the Victory Day public holiday start? As French Guiana is an overseas department of France, it celebrates Victory Day on 8 May along with France, as with all other French public holidays. May 8 and 9, 1945, were joyous days but it took some time for WWII Victory Day to become established as a day of celebration and a public holiday. It marked the end of a six-year war and the Nazi oppression in France, which resulted in millions of deaths. Church bells rang to communicate and celebrate this message. In the past, World War II veterans played an important role in the celebrations, but many of them are now older and some are unable to perform a public role.īack on Charles de Gaulle, the leader of the Free French Forces, announced the official end of World War II. The mood on WWII Victory Day is generally joyous, although many people make time to remember family members or others who died during World War II. They also sing patriotic songs and display the French national flag at home and on public buildings. Ascension Day ( Ascension) marks the day that Jesus ascended to heaven following his crucifixion and resurrection, according to Christian belief. Post offices, banks, schools and many businesses are closed, and many people attend parades and church services to celebrate the end of World War II and the freedom of France from Nazi oppression. Today, WWII Victory Day is a public holiday in France. Flag of the Soviet Union.svg Soviet Union Flag of Russia.svg Russia Flag of Serbia. It is the anniversary of when Charles de Gaulle announced the end of World War II in France on May 8, 1945. France celebrates it to commemorate the German surrender in May 8, 1945. WWII Victory Day (la fête de la victoire, le jour de la libération) is a holiday to celebrate the end of World War II and the French people’s freedom. Nicola Harrington What is “le jour de la libération”?
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