Seventy-five years later, we remember World War II and commemorate its end with this exhibit, featuring images from the City of Vancouver Archives.
V-E (Victory in Europe) Day marks the end of the conflict with Hitler’s Germany, with surrender on May 7, 1945, and May 8, 1945, being declared officially as V-E Day.
In Vancouver and all cities in allied countries, women, children, and men flocked out from their daily activities to begin the celebrations. Wild crowds blocked street cars as they took over the Bond Shell in front of the post office and jammed West Hastings, spilling over on to Granville St.
“Of course, each one will celebrate the end of the war in his or her own way, but I further suggest that our jubilation be tempered with the thought that there will be little joy in thousands of Vancouver homes where an only son, or several sons or other members of the family have given their lives to make V-Day possible.” Mayor Cornett in a statement regarding V-Day (1945).
“Let us rejoice in the victory of our fighting men, but let us do so in a reasonable way, remembering those who cannot join so enthusiastically with us [those who have lost loved ones] and remembering for how much we have to be thankful.” Mayor Cornett in a statement regarding V-Day (1945).
