when was ve day

Victory in Europe Day, commonly known as VE Day, was on May 8, 1945. This day marks the formal acceptance by the Allies of Nazi Germany's unconditional surrender of its armed forces, signaling the end of World War II in Europe. The surrender was signed on May 7, 1945, and authorized the following day. VE Day was celebrated with large-scale rejoicing worldwide, including street parties, dancing, and singing, notably in places like London and New York. It was a national holiday in the UK and marked an end to nearly six years of war and suffering in Europe, although the war continued in the Pacific until later that year. In some former Soviet countries, the celebration occurs on May 9 due to time zone differences.