WWII Victory Day

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On May 8, 1945, the Allies accepted the unconditional surrender of Nazi Germany, effectively ending World War II in Europe and marking the end of Nazi oppression over much of the continent. Initially, the victory was commemorated on the second Sunday in May, but in 1981 Victory Day—also called La Fête de la Victoire, Victoire 1945, or Victory in Europe Day—was established as a public holiday on May 8.

Today, businesses and government offices close to honor the sacrifices made throughout WWII and to celebrate the Allies victory over the Nazi regime with parades, flowers, and flyovers from military aircraft. 

While WWII Victory Day is generally joyous and celebratory, it can also have a somber tone, with people often attending church and/or honoring family members and veterans who died throughout the war by laying flowers and wreaths on local memorials. Many individuals and businesses will also fly and hang French flags, with French officials (including the president) laying wreaths on the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at the Arc de Triomphe in Paris, which is decorated by a massive French flag that typically remains on display until Bastille Day.

How to prepare

@company.name is closed for WWII Victory Day. Please be sure to turn on your away message before leaving the office.

How to take action

WWII Victory Day is about honoring those that fought for France in WWII. 

Here are some ideas to honor those soldiers and their sacrifices, including:

• Visit a WWII museum exhibit.
• Donate to a veterans’ charity.
• Visit a WWII Memorial to pay your respects.