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For Immediate Release
May 6, 2015
John A. Scocos Column:
70th Anniversary of
VE Day
May 8, 1945 was “Victory in Europe”
Day. With it came the end of six years of total war that left virtually no
person or place in the world untouched.
There was widespread misery and suffering
as the war raged and communities on both sides sacrificed for their cause.
There was also courage and fortitude across the world in the actions of the
millions of men and women who joined the Allies to defeat the evil that was
Nazi Germany.
Though the end of the war was
anticipated for several months, this day officially marked the end of
hostilities in Europe and brought bittersweet joy to the millions who suffered
and sacrificed so much.
More than 16
million men and women served in uniform in the United States Armed Forces. Their goal was nothing short of wiping
tyranny and evil off the face of the earth.
Seventy years ago, they achieved that goal in Europe with the downfall
of the Nazi regime.
On May 8, 1945, the
remnants of the Nazi regime surrendered to allied forces. Victory was achieved.
This day was
immediately proclaimed “Victory in Europe Day” or “VE Day.” The day was marked
with both celebration and quiet reflection, but nothing would be quite the same
again.
What does that victory
in Europe mean 70 years later? To those few still alive who fought that war, it
carries deep meaning, likely known only to them. To those too young to serve,
but old enough to remember, they may very well remember the news of VE Day much
the same way they remember the many other significant world events throughout
their lives. Many others only know the day as history.
That history includes more than
332,000 Wisconsin men and women served in WWII. More than 8,100 died in the
war.
Those who lived
this history should be honored and treasured, as the day will too soon come
where there is no more “living history” to be shared; only what we were told by
that great generation.
– 30 –
(This May 8, on the 70th anniversary of VE
Day, the Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs will recognize this
historical day with a ceremony at the Wisconsin Veterans Museum in Madison at
9:00 a.m.)
For additional information, contact:
WDVAmedia.relations@dva.wisconsin.gov
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