NEW ORLEANS – The National WWII Museum will mark the 81st anniversary of V-E Day on Thursday, May 7, at 6 p.m. V-E Day, officially May 8 in the United States, marks the date of Germany’s surrender and the end of World War II in Europe in 1945 — a day of both celebration and trepidation as the war in the Pacific raged on.
On May 7, 1945, Nazi Germany surrendered unconditionally to Allied forces, formally ceasing military operations the next day and ending nearly six years of bloody fighting in Europe. President Harry S. Truman, who had only assumed the presidency weeks prior following the death of Franklin D. Roosevelt, announced Germany’s surrender over the radio, designating May 8 as Victory in Europe Day. Around the world, millions took to the streets of cities like New York, London and Paris to celebrate. But V-E Day did not mark the final Allied victory, and with the war finally over in one theater, the world’s attention turned to the Pacific.
The commemoration will include remarks from Samuel Zemurray Stone Senior Historian John Curatola, PhD, who will explore how Allied airpower evolved from D-Day to V-E Day to ultimately bring the war to an end in Europe. Hands On History stations will feature authentic artifacts related to the air war.
A 5 p.m. reception will precede the commemoration.
This event is made possible in part by the Institute of Museum and Library Services [Grant No. MA-257854-OMS-25].
WHEN: Thursday, May 7, 2026, at 6 p.m. (Reception at 5 p.m.)
WHERE: The National WWII Museum
945 Magazine St, New Orleans, LA 70130