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Post by JustJohn or JJ on May 8, 2015 4:05:01 GMT -7
From Norfolk Ledger-May 7, 1945" V-E Day Officially May 8th:London, May 7, (AP) - "The war against Germany, the greatest in history, ended today with unconditional surrender of the once mighty Wehrmacht. The surrender to the western allies and Russia was made at General Eisenhower's headquarters in Reims, France by the German High Command." "The British government announced that today will be celebrated as V-E Day." I wrote; "I guess your brother-in-law will be home soon. The news is really good about Germany, but we have a long fight ahead of us over here. I'm starting on my 27th month overseas. I have four battle stars on my campaign ribbon, and I have the Navy Citation for Guam....I'm still planning on having some good old times with all when I get home." Picture from Memories of World War II - Reader's Digest.
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Post by JustJohn or JJ on May 9, 2015 5:33:12 GMT -7
Most western national leaders stayed away from Russia's celebration.
The US, Australia, Canada and most EU leaders avoided the celebrations in Russia - despite invitations - because of Moscow's alleged involvement in the Ukraine crisis.
On Friday, Poland organized an alternative event for those leaders who refused to go to Moscow.
Events in Gdansk were attended by the presidents of several countries, including Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Estonia, Lithuania, Romania and Ukraine. Mr Ban, the UN chief, was also there.
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Post by Jaga on May 9, 2015 18:24:10 GMT -7
John, thanks for the reminder. Even our local newspaper was writing about Polish celebrations. I believe like many people that Soviet Union had a very mixed heritage of this victory. If Hitler would not attach Soviets - the outcome of the war could be quite different. Soviet/Russians were always too pompous about their own achievements.
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