On May 8, 1945, that Germany and Hitler’s Nazi army surrendered unconditionally to the Allied Forces, led by the United States and Great Britain.
More than 75 million lives were lost during World War II, including those of more than 11 million in concentration camps, 6 million of whom were Jewish, and nearly 300,000 United States soldiers. When victory was declared across Europe and the United States, celebration broke out everywhere as signs of jubilation spilled into the streets.
For eight straight decades, VFW Auxiliary members have been celebrating V-E Day not only with fanfare, but by helping those in the United States and beyond who were most affected by the war. The National World War II Museum estimates that there were around 66,000 World War II veterans still living in the United States as of 2024, which is less than 1% of the number of Americans who served. Do you know a World War II veteran? Reach out to him or her to say “thank you” today!