Trump declares May 8 as 'Victory Day' for World War II: 'Going to start celebrating our victories again!'
President Donald Trump announced the designation of May 8 as 'Victory Day' in the United States to commemorate the Allied victory in World War II, aligning it with the 'Victory in Europe Day' celebrated in many European countries since 1945. He emphasized America's significant role in achieving victory and expressed a desire to celebrate such national triumphs more actively. The President also declared November 11 as World War I 'Victory Day.' Historically, the end of World War II is marked by Germany's surrender on May 7, 1945, and Japan's formal surrender on September 2, 1945, following the atomic bombings. Although the U.S. lacks specific public holidays for World War II, remembrance ceremonies occur in May, August, and September, with a past proclamation by Harry Truman declaring August 14 as 'Victory Over Japan Day.'
President Trump has declared May 8 as 'Victory Day' in the United States, aligning with the 'Victory in Europe Day' celebrated in Europe, marking the surrender of Germany to the Allied Forces on May 7, 1945.
In his announcement, Trump highlighted America's pivotal role in the victory, stating the nation did more than any other country to achieve the outcome, and stressed the need to actively celebrate such victories.
November 11 is also designated as World War I 'Victory Day,' reinforcing a narrative of celebrating American military achievements historically undervalued in public commemorations.
The formal end of World War II is recognized as September 2, 1945, when Japan signed the instrument of surrender, though a significant moment occurred on August 14 when Japan signaled its intention to surrender following the bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki.
Historically, the United States has had no public holidays specifically for World War II, but commemorative ceremonies are held in May, August, and September, with Harry Truman having issued a proclamation for 'Victory Over Japan Day' on August 14, 1946.
President Trump's statement reflects a broader intent to revive national pride and remembrance of military achievements, critiquing past leadership for neglecting such celebrations.