| Bush Observes World War II Victory Ceremonies in Moscow |
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| GOING FOR A SPIN - Russian President Vladimir Putin and President George W. Bush take a spin in President Putin's car during a visit Sunday night, May 8, 2005. White House photo by Eric Draper. More Photos |
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WASHINGTON, May 9, 2005 - President Bush joined Russian President Vladimir Putin and other world leaders today in Moscow's Red Square to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the Allied victory in Europe during World War II.
The celebration, known in Russia as Victory Day, honors what Putin called a "victory of good over evil" and a remembrance of an estimated 27 million Russians who died during the conflict. Today's observance included a parade in Red Square, with some 2,500 World War II veterans participating.
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Afterward, Bush joined others in laying red carnations at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier by the Kremlin wall. On his May 8 arrival in Moscow, Bush called the celebration "a moment where the world will recognize the great bravery and sacrifice the Russian people made in the defeat of Nazism."
Bush noted that despite suffering "incredible hardship" during World War II, "the Russian spirit never died out." Other World War II allies celebrate V-E, or "Victory in Europe," Day on May 8. Story |
| President Bush Remembers 'Great Victory for Liberty' on V-E Day |
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| SALUTING VETERANS - President George W. Bush greets veterans at the Netherlands American Cemetery in Margraten, May 8, 2005. White House photo by Eric Draper. More Photos |
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WASHINGTON, May 8, 2005 - President Bush "commemorated a great victory for liberty," at the American cemetery in Margraten, Netherlands, May 8, 2005, in observance of the 60th anniversary of V-E - Victory in Europe - Day.
"The thousands of white marble crosses and Stars of David underscore the terrible price we pay for that victory," the president said in his tribute to fallen World War II servicemembers. He also recognized World War II American veterans at the ceremony.
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"We welcome you and we honor you," Bush said. "And they're here with their Dutch comrades. They share a love of liberty. In the war that came to an end 60 years ago this day, all those who fought for freedom made sacrifice, and many gave their lives." Story
Related Stories
Grateful Nation Honors World War II Vets
Bush Applauds Spread of Freedom, Democracy
Commemorations Honor V-E Day Anniversary
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On the Home Front
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On the Battle Front
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 WASHINGTON, May 8, 1945 — Senior Officers of the U.S. Armed Forces make a radio broadcast following the official announcement of Victory in Europe on 8 May 1945. They are (from left to right): General of the Army George C. Marshall, Chief of Staff, U.S. Army; Fleet Admiral William D. Leahy, Senior Member of the Joint Chiefs of Staff; and Fleet Admiral Ernest J. King, Chief of Naval Operations. U.S. Navy Photo. |
 BERLIN, May 8, 1945 — German Field Marshall Wilhelm Keitel signs the surrender for the German Army in Berlin. National Archives Photo.
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A Witness Remembers
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| "After landing on Utah Beach on the 6th of June, 1944, with the 4th Infantry
Division, and heavy combat to liberate France, I found myself towards the
end of the war in Compiegnes, France, about 40 miles north of Paris. I was
assigned to the 16th Infantry Replacement Depot, with duty to train brand
new army recruits for more fighting in Germany and the Pacific theater.
"These kids knew absolutely nothing about fighting. With so many casualties
in the war, we were left with training office clerks, cooks, mechanics, most
of which had never seen a rifle before. I tried to transfer all of my
experience to them. We lived in tents on the old race track in the forest of
Compiegnes. |
"Two days prior to VE-Day, I got a free birthday pass and was able to visit
Paris - I remember walking on the Boulevard de la Madeleine on a sunny day,
with a sense the war was nearing an end. VE-Day, 8 May 1945, however, was a
day of tempered jubilation for me. I had received enough points in the war
(for combat, time served in the army, etc), that I could be discharged from
the army to return home.
"But since I was part of the main cadre in Compiegnes, I was told that I
would lead my new recruits to the South Pacific for continued fighting since
the war carried forth on that side of the world. So, yes, I was pleased the
war had ended in Europe, but I was apprehensive about having to fight again
in the Pacific. That was my VE-Day."
Theodore Liska
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