Keystone/Getty ImagesGeneral Alfred Jodl (1890 - 1946) Hitler's military advisor, controller of German High Command and chief of the Operations Staff (centre), signs the document of surrender (German Capitulation) of the German armed forces at Reims in General Eisenhower's headquarters. He is joined by Major Wilhelm Oxenius (left) and Hans Georg von Friedeburg, Admiral of the Fleet (right).
Horace Abrahams, Keystone/Getty ImagesLiberated prisoners from Dachau, the German concentration camp wave in joy May 7, 1945. Those wearing striped uniforms are political prisoners whose fate was cremation if they had not been liberated by the US 7th Army.
J Wilds, Getty ImagesAn American soldier in London reads the news of the German surrender at the end of World War II.
Central Press/Hulton Archive/Getty ImagesBritish Prime Minister Winston Churchill addresses the crowds from the balcony of the Ministry of Health in Whitehall on VE Day, May 8, 1945. From left to right, Ernest Bevin (1881 - 1951), Churchill, Sir John Anderson (1882 - 1958), Lord Woolton and Herbert Morrison (1888 - 1965).
AFP/Getty ImagesA woman kisses a serviceman behind the British flag as Parisians celebrate the unconditional German capitulation in the streets of Paris, at the end of the second World War May 8, 1945.
Topical Press Agency, Getty ImagesCanadian troops entertain the crowds in Leicester Square while waiting for the broadcast of the King's VE Day speech.
Keystone, Getty ImagesCrowds on the Champs Elysees celebrate Victory in Europe at the end of World War II with a joyful procession.
Fred Morley, Fox Photos/Getty ImagesVE day, held to commemorate the official end of Britain's involvement in World War II, is celebrated by crowds at Trafalgar Square in London.
Reg Speller, Fox Photos/Getty ImagesMrs Pat Burgess of Palmer's Green, north London is thrilled to get the news that her husband will soon be home for good from Germany May 8, 1945.
Keystone, Getty ImagesCheering crowds in Piccadilly Circus celebrate the German surrender on VE Day May 8, 1945.
Keystone, Getty ImagesA British sergeant is lifted up as Moscow women celebrate VE Day.
R J Salmon, Getty ImagesSoldiers from the Women's Royal Army Corps in their service vehicle, driving through Trafalgar Square during the VE Day celebrations in London.
Reg Speller, Fox Photos/Getty ImagesPassing the crowds outside Buckingham Palace on VE Day, a father takes his child on a tour of London's West End in unorthodox style.
Keystone, Getty ImagesA group of ATS and American soldiers celebrate VE Day in Trafalgar Square May 8, 1945.
Keystone, Getty ImagesCrowds in Piccadilly Circus climb lampposts and the Eros statue's protective container, on VE Day.
Keystone, Getty ImagesA van load of beer passing through Piccadilly Circus on VE Day. The statue of Eros, protected during the war by advertising hoardings, can be seen in the background.
John F. Stephenson, Topical Press Agency/Getty ImagesA woman holding an American flag over her head during VE day celebrations in Piccadilly Circus, London.
Central Press, Getty ImagesVE Day revelers hitch a ride on a lorry in London.
AFP PhotoParisians buy the newspaper saying "Capitulation" as Parisians celebrate the unconditional German capitulation in the streets of Paris, at the end of the second World War.
Keystone, Getty ImagesA group of London girls waving flags in front of the statue of Queen Victoria outside Buckingham Palace on VE Day.
AFP/Getty ImagesPeople look at the crowded Champs Elysees Avenue from the Triumphal Arch as Parisians gathered in the streets of Paris to celebrate the unconditional German capitulation at the end of the second World War.
Topical Press Agency, Getty ImagesOne of the many bonfires which were burning everywhere at night, on VE Day.
Keystone/Getty Images
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General Alfred Jodl (1890 - 1946) Hitler's military advisor, controller of German High Command and chief of the Operations Staff (centre), signs the document of surrender (German Capitulation) of the German armed forces at Reims in General Eisenhower's headquarters. He is joined by Major Wilhelm Oxenius (left) and Hans Georg von Friedeburg, Admiral of the Fleet (right).
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Victory in Europe Day, also called VE Day, was the public holiday celebrated on May 8, 1945 to mark the formal acceptance by the Allies of World War II of Nazi Germany’s unconditional surrender of its armed forces. Upon the defeat of Germany, celebrations erupted throughout the western world. In the United Kingdom, more than one million people celebrated in the streets to mark the end of the European part of the war. In London, crowds massed in Trafalgar Square and up the Mall to Buckingham Palace, where King George VI and Queen Elizabeth, accompanied by Prime MinisterWinston Churchill, appeared on the balcony of the palace before the cheering crowds.