VE Day brought joy but ashes of war still linger today

VE DAY on May 8, 1945 was an event that remained in the memory of all those who witnessed it. It meant an end to nearly six years of a war that had cost the lives of millions of people, destroyed homes, families, and cities, and brought huge suffering and privations to the populations of entire countries.

- Dr Peter Johnston

Millions rejoiced at the news that Germany had surrendered, relieved that the intense strain of total war was finally over. In towns and cities around the world, people marked the victory with street parties, dancing and singing. The news was not surprising; it had been anticipated for some time and people were on standby to start celebrating almost immediately.

The announcement that the war had ended in Europe was broadcast to the British people over the radio late in the day on May 7. The BBC interrupted its scheduled programming with a news flash announcing that Victory in Europe Day would be a national holiday, to take place the following day. Special editions of newspapers were printed to carry the long-awaited announcement.

But VE Day was not the end of the Second World War, nor the impact the war had on people. The war against Japan did not end until August 1945 and was not formally recognised until September 2, and the political, social and economic repercussions of the conflict were felt long after Germany and Japan had surrendered.