Europe and the United States celebrate Victory Day on May 8, since at the time of the signing of the act in Europe it was still May 8, and in the USSR, taking into account the time difference, it was already the 9th. How do other countries celebrate Victory Day?

USA                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                

On May 8, 1945, America rejoiced along with all of Europe, because Victory Day also coincided with the birthday of President Harry Truman. He dedicated the victory to the memory of his predecessor Franklin Roosevelt, who died of a cerebral hemorrhage a month before Germany's surrender. In the United States, this day is called Victory in Europe Day and is not widely celebrated (no one holds magnificent parades, tanks and other military equipment do not travel through the streets of Washington, only a mention will slip in the news). Veterans go to lay wreaths and pay tribute to the victims in the city of Washington to the memorial to the heroes of World War II. And the real Victory Day in the United States is September 2, 1945, Victory Day in World War II.

France

On May 8, France traditionally hosts a small military parade with a speech by the President, who traditionally lays a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

Great Britain

England is the only Western European country to celebrate Victory Day on May 9th. After the end of the war, many of our veterans remained in Great Britain, so now England has the largest diaspora of Soviet veterans in Western Europe. It is worth noting that although Victory Day is celebrated in Britain, it is not done so pompously and loudly. On the streets there are no crowds of celebrating people, large processions and parades.

On May 9 in London, in a park near the Imperial War Museum, a traditional wreath-laying ceremony is held at the monument to Soviet soldiers and citizens who died in the war, as well as a meeting of veterans of the Northern convoys aboard the cruiser Belfast.

Germany

German-Russian Museum "Berlin-Karlshorst"

In Germany, the celebration is modest. There are no parades and people here celebrate the anniversary of the liberation from Nazism, because modern Germans do not associate Victory Day with their defeat: for them it is a solemn day when Europe freed itself from the yoke of fascism.

Official events take place on 8 May. In the German-Russian Museum, which is now located on the site of the officers' club, where the surrender agreement was signed, an ecumenical service, a minute of silence and the laying of wreaths are held on this day. The day is a holiday for the museum and a special program is being prepared for it. But the celebration takes place not only in the museum: wreaths are laid at the monuments to the Liberators in Treptower Park in the territory of the former East Berlin and at the memorial to the soldiers-liberators in the center of the former West Berlin. Residents of the former GDR, out of habit, celebrate this day on May 9, together with Russia. As for the Russians living in Germany, they arrange small fireworks for the holiday.

Israel

May 9 was declared Victory Day and an official holiday only recently - in 2000. Since there are many Russians in Israel, they are used to celebrating on this day. There are no parades, and there are almost no war memorials in Israel. As a rule, local veterans gather somewhere in the park or show them a concert.

Georgia

Victory Day in Georgia was traditionally celebrated on May 9 before the collapse of the USSR. Now the celebrations are not so wide and large-scale, and military parades have not been held for many years. But still, Georgian veterans every year come to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier to honor the memory of those who gave their lives for the victory in the Great Patriotic War.

Victory Day in Kazakhstan

In Kazakhstan, this holiday is of great importance and Victory Day is usually celebrated for two days - May 9 and 10. Throughout the month, charity events and various events are held. On May 9, all educational and cultural institutions of Kazakhstan host numerous festive events dedicated to the memory of the heroes of the war. In order for the new generation not to forget their history, the government organizes meetings and talks with veterans. In addition, the state provides regular assistance to all veterans of the Great Patriotic War, festive events are held for front-line soldiers.

Republic of Belarus

Victory Day in Belarus is one of the brightest and brightest holidays, a day off. It is celebrated as in Russia - on the 9th. In Minsk and other cities on May 9, solemn processions of veterans and festive demonstrations, in which thousands of people take part, are always held, as well as ceremonies of remembrance of the fallen near the Eternal Flame.

Best regards, Svetlana