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So much history to celebrate on this day but at the top of the list is V-E Day: the final defeat of the Nazi war machine! German troops throughout Europe finally laid down their arms.
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Keep the memory alive of all who fought and sacrificed to maintain America’s freedom! Support America’s veterans! Only a few surviving veterans have a crystal clear memory of the moments…sights, sounds, smells…of WWII. Let NOT their sacrifices ever be forgotten.
“There is still something remarkable about these old soldiers — the warriors who humbly and bravely saved the world.” ~ABC News Dean Reynolds, World News Tonight, May 9, 2005
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catnipoflife 
How quickly we all forget. Thank you for being our rememberer.
I was late in the day getting this one completed but as I said, it is NEVER to late to remember! History has become so fascinating to me and to think it was my LEAST liked subject in school. Quite a change for this ol’ mathematician!
….”Finally almost the whole world was combined against the evil-doers, who are now prostrate before us. Our gratitude to our splendid Allies goes forth from all our hearts in this Island and throughout the British Empire….We may allow ourselves a brief period of rejoicing; but let us not forget for a moment the toil and efforts that lie ahead….We must now devote all our strength and resources to the completion of our task, both at home and abroad. Advance, Britannia! Long live the cause of freedom! God save the King!”
taken from the speech the Prime Minister, Sir Winston Churchill, delivered to the British people upon the end of the War– for VE day. May we never forget the sacrifices made for all of us today who enjoy freedom.
Amen, Julie! Thank you for your reflection on Sir Winston Churchill! His great words of wisdom far surpass any attempts by government officials today! May we NEVER forget! What I fear is the generations to come…Only a few surviving veterans have a crystal clear memory of the moments…sights, sounds, smells…of WWII.
I remember this day Sharla. I was seven and hadn’t seen my father since he went to war in 1939, and didn’t for another two years.. All my life I’d been promised chocolate and toys and enough food: “when Peace-time comes”.
But when it came it was tougher than ever, with more stringent rationing as we struggled to repay the loans from America – (which were finally paid off in 2006). I remember the sound of fireworks that we couldn’t see, and that was VE day !!!
And I do remember the relief of thinking: no more bombs! And I remember the happiness of all the grownups…
How clever of you to find that front page from London… and how fascinating to see in the middle of the picture. the statue of Eros in the middle of Piccadilly, covered to protect it from bomb damage…what times we have all lived through!!!
How fascinating for you to relate to the photos! Thank you so much for your wonderful insights into a time never to be forgotten. At least that is my hope… for those who remember such experiences are dwindling all too quickly. Then, the youth to come will solely be dependent upon what is provided in the history books!
[…] Awakenings: V-E Day, May 8, 1945. […]
My father, a natural born German, fought the Germans in WWII. He was in the US Navy aboard a battleship. He was also a decorated hero, saving his ship by removing explosive tanks in the ship’s magazine where a torpedo had penetrated the hull. The torpedo turned out to be a dud but the fire it caused could have ignited the munitions stored there,
I served our country during the Vietnam War. There, I said it, it was a war, not a conflict like our government tried to call it. I wasn’t treated like a hero when I returned home. No yellow ribbons were waiting for me.
I still have issues when we celebrate war with pomp and circumstance. We obeyed orders and did our duty. The consequences of war are hell. Don’t strike up the band for me just make sure we don’t go attacking any more countries over “weapons of mass destruction”.
Bob, it is always so good to have you stop by and reflect on any of my postings. War is hell and there is just no other way to put it! My dad served in the Navy aboard a destroyer escort. He served at Iwo Jima. My brother served in the army in Laos and Cambodia.