VE Day 80th Anniversary Marks Nazi Surrender Across Allied Nations

Victory in Europe Day (VE Day) on May 8, 1945, marked the unconditional surrender of Nazi Germany, ending World War II in Europe and prompting widespread celebrations across Allied countries. Key figures in the surrender included German General Alfred Jodl and American General Dwight D. Eisenhower, who accepted the complete capitulation of Nazi forces. Veterans like the 102-year-old American soldier Graziano recall the tense moments during the signing in Reims, France, highlighting the personal experiences behind this historic event. The legacy of the war and its veterans continues to be honored through projects like Glyn Dewis's 39-45 Veterans Portrait Project and a decade-long photographic endeavor capturing WWII veterans from diverse nationalities, emphasizing their resilience and sacrifice. Meanwhile, the Robert Capa Contemporary Photography Center in Budapest commemorates the life of the legendary war photojournalist whose work, such as the iconic "The Falling Soldier" and D-Day landing images, powerfully documented the human cost of conflict. Together, these remembrances and artistic efforts underscore both the global impact of WWII and the enduring importance of preserving veterans' stories.