May 8 should have been celebrated across the United States, but that date wasn’t recognized. There were no parades, memorials or celebrations held. Some people may not have even remembered or made aware of the importance of that date, the way lately some people are trying to erase our country’s history. V-E Day was 77 years ago on May 8, 1945. It was on that day when the WWII surrender of the German Nazi war machine was celebrated in the United States and all across Europe, including Great Britain. The long war in Europe had finally come to an end. Thousands of American soldiers’ lives were lost, as well as soldiers from the other Allied countries. We had a real reason to celebrate Hitler’s defeat. Banners were placed on buildings and homes, flags were raised. Soldiers were hugged and they in turn hugged others. Bands were in the streets playing patriotic music, thousands of people flocked into Times Square in celebration! Stores closed their doors that day, and people gathered in churches to offer a prayer of thanksgiving. All knew that finally their sons, husbands, nephews and brothers would be coming home. America had entered the war in 1941 and more than 400,000 U.S. soldiers were killed in that war. 4,525 Kansas soldiers and 2,976 Nebraska soldiers gave their lives for their country and for the freedom of others.
Yet 77 years later, the news headlines were focused on the Roe vs. Wade issue, the economy, the escape of a killer from jail and of course, the Ukraine situation. No mention was made of the V-E Day. We were told Russia was celebrating May 9th, their Victory Day, when the Nazi’s surrendered to the Soviet Union. There was a large official parade with marching Russia soldiers. Their WWII soldiers and families were shown being honored on a stage watching the parade with their infamous leader Putin. Putin’s speech for the occasion was included in the U.S. news broadcasts. Russian flags were flown, and people cheered. They were celebrating, as they do every year since 1945, the former Soviet Union’s victory over Nazi Germany that occurred 77 years ago on May 9, 1945.
Where was the United States’ celebration? Why wasn’t a recognition given of some kind?
August 14 will mark the surrender of the Japanese to the Allies, 77 years ago. That finally brought a complete end to WWII. We will have to wait and see if this memorable event gets mentioned or celebrated. Lest we forget!
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