Free Republic

On May 7, 1945, German Col. Gen. Alfred Jodl signed the unconditional surrender of Germany at the Allied headquarters in Reims, France, effectively ending World War II in Europe. General Dwight Eisenhower, Supreme Commander of the Allied Expeditionary Force, played a crucial role in the surrender process. While the signing took place on May 7, the news wasn't officially announced until the next day, May 8, leading to widespread celebrations known as VE Day. The National Archives states that General Eisenhower, the Supreme Commander, made it clear that any surrender would have to be a full capitulation to all Allied...

BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA A PROCLAMATION Today, our Nation proudly commemorates the 80th anniversary of the Allied Powers’ triumph over national socialism and fascism, and the end of World War II in Europe — one of the most epic victories for forces of freedom in the history of the world. On this Victory Day for World War II, we celebrate the unmatched might, strength, and power of the American Armed Forces, and we commit to protecting our sacred birthright of liberty against all threats, foreign and domestic. In the wake of the December 7, 1941...