Victory in Europe (VE) Day was celebrated on 8 May 1945. The day marked the end of World War II hostilities in Europe, with Germany's unconditional surrender taking effect at midnight on 8-9 May. Joyful crowds gathered in London, Stockholm, Cairo and other Allied capital cities. Leaders such as Churchill were hailed, thanksgiving services were held, while others chose to reflect quietly and privately.

Celebrations in Australia were tempered as the war in the Pacific was still underway. It would be another three months before Victory in the Pacific (VP) was celebrated on 15 August 1945 with the announcement of the Japanese surrender, marking the end of World War II.

In Victoria, Premier Dunstan expressed hope that VE Day would be one of thanksgiving. The Premier was quoted as saying: 'There are still thousands of Australians in the hands of the Japanese ... Until the Allies have completed the task confronting them in the Pacific, Australia will continue to be at war. Until the last shot has been fired in the Pacific war there is the duty for every Australian not to relax in the present war effort.' The Age newspaper noted that 'The rest of the road to complete victory may be long and hard; but we have the satisfaction of knowing that it will be shortened materially by the mighty array of civilisation's champions now available to apply their whole force to the elimination of the world's sole remaining international criminal.'

In Melbourne, a public holiday meant that hotels and cafes were closed, and 'Flags and bunting provided the only animation and color in the city, which was almost deserted by the people'. A large crowd gathered at the Shrine of Rememberance to attend the Lord Mayor's Victory in Europe thanksgiving service.

References

1945 'V-E DAY IN VICTORIA', The Age (Melbourne, Vic. : 1854 - 1954), 8 May, p. 3. , viewed 07 May 2020, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article204025371.
1945 'THE GREATER TASK IS OVER', The Argus (Melbourne, Vic. : 1848 - 1957), 8 May, p. 2. , viewed 07 May 2020, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article1098487.
1945 'HAPPY LONDON CROWDS CELEBRATE VICTORY', The Argus (Melbourne, Vic. : 1848 - 1957), 9 May, p. 20. , viewed 07 May 2020, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article1091573.
1945 'BIG CROWD ATTENDS SHRINE V-E THANSGIVING', The Herald (Melbourne, Vic. : 1861 - 1954), 9 May, p. 3. , viewed 07 May 2020, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article249160305.

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