May 8 is Victory in Europe Day, or VE Day, the day in 1945 when Nazi troops laid down their arms, ending World War II on the continent. Ceremonies were held in both Europe and the United States to remember the 70th anniversay of the Allied victory and to honor veterans of the war. Russia commemorated the anniversary on Saturday, May 9.
US, Europe Mark 70th Anniversary of VE Day
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World War II veterans and their families watch as dozens of WWII-era military airplanes fly over the National World War II Memorial in Washington, D.C., May 8, 2015, during the Arsenal of Democracy World War II Victory Capitol Flyover to commemorate the 70th anniversary of Victory in Europe (VE) Day.
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Holding a World War II-era photograph of herself, WWII veteran Elizabeth Copp, 96, who was a Sergeant in the Women's Army Corps during World War II, watches as World War II aircraft fly over the World War II Memorial in Washington, May 8, 2015, in honor of the 70th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day (VE Day).
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A worker installing a wreath of poppies as a red peak and ribbon on top of the 102-meter Motherland Monument in Kyiv, Ukraine, May 8, 2015, to mark the anniversary of the defeat of the Nazis in WWII.
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U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry (C) lays a wreath during a ceremony marking France's 70th anniversary of the allied victory over Nazi Germany, at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Paris, France, May 8, 2015.