On May 8, 1945, the world witnessed the end of World War II in Europe with the unconditional surrender of Nazi Germany. This date is commemorated as a public holiday in several countries, notably France, where it is celebrated as a significant victory for the Allies. However, across the English Channel in the United Kingdom, May 8th, known as Victory in Europe Day (VE Day), is only officially recognized during major anniversaries, such as the 50th in 1995, the 60th in 2005, and the 75th in 2020. This discrepancy raises questions about the collective memory and commemoration policies in different nations.
In France, May 8th became an official public holiday in 1953 under the government of centrist René Mayer, who was then the Prime Minister during the Fourth Republic. However, this holiday was abolished in 1959 by General Charles de Gaulle, who preferred to consolidate commemorations into a single day on November 11th, Armistice Day, which honors all wars. It wasn't until 1981, under President François Mitterrand, that May 8th was reinstated as a public holiday, underscoring the importance of World War II in the French national identity.
In stark contrast, Spain does not commemorate May 8th at all. The absence of any recognition stems from Spain's official neutrality during World War II, as the nation, under the Franco dictatorship, avoided direct military involvement while maintaining ambiguous ties to fascist regimes in Italy and Germany. Consequently, May 8th holds no significance in Spanish memory, overshadowed instead by the traumas of the Spanish Civil War (1936-1939) and the subsequent dictatorship that lasted for nearly four decades.
While Spain guarantees 15 public holidays each year, even when some fall on a Sunday, the lack of May 8th in its calendar reflects a different historical narrative. Regions within Spain, like Catalonia, can choose their own holidays, with the national holiday celebrated on September 11th. In comparison, France typically observes 11 public holidays, making Spain's total more generous despite the absence of May 8th.
Germany presents yet another layer of complexity regarding May 8th. While it is a public holiday in France, the Czech Republic, and Slovakia, only Berlin has recognized May 8th as a public holiday in 2025, marking the 80th anniversary of the war's end. The decision to declare May 8th a holiday in Berlin was made in 2020, coinciding with the 75th anniversary of the war’s conclusion, reflecting a desire to promote awareness that peace is never guaranteed.
The debate over whether May 8th should be a national holiday in Germany has been contentious and unresolved since 1985. That year, Richard von Weizsäcker, then president of the Federal Republic of Germany, gave a pivotal speech designating May 8th as a day of liberation from the oppressive regime of National Socialism. His remarks marked a significant shift in Germany's collective memory, contrasting with segments of the right that still view the day solely as a defeat.
Despite these discussions, the Alternative for Germany (AfD) party opposes the establishment of May 8th as a public holiday, advocating instead for an end to what they term a "culture of repentance" in Germany. This perspective resonates with certain voters, as recent polls indicate a growing sentiment among the public to "draw a line" under Germany's Nazi past. The party's stance reflects a broader societal struggle to reconcile the complex legacy of World War II.
While commemorations do take place on May 8th in the UK, particularly in London and other municipalities, these events are not framed by a strict legal structure. Instead, they form part of a more flexible culture of remembrance that prioritizes November 11th, Armistice Day, which is marked by solemn ceremonies and moments of silence across the nation.
The absence of May 8th as a public holiday in the UK does not indicate a lack of respect for the sacrifices of the war. Instead, it highlights a different approach to national memory and historical commemoration. The British focus on Armistice Day serves to honor all soldiers who have fallen in combat, creating a more universal tribute to military sacrifices.
In summary, the varying approaches to commemorating May 8th across different nations illustrate the complexities of national memory and historical narratives. France's recognition of the day as a public holiday contrasts sharply with the UK's selective observance, Spain's complete omission, and Germany's ongoing debate. Each nation's stance reflects its unique historical experiences and the collective memory that shapes its identity.
