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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Polish veteran military officers salute during a ceremony marking the 70th anniversary of the end of World War II, at Westerplatte, near Gdansk, Poland, May 8, 2015.
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Britain's Prime Minister David Cameron (R) stands with former former Liberal Democrat leader Nick Clegg (C) and former Labour Party leader Ed Miliband, as they line up to pay tribute at the Cenotaph during a Victory in Europe (VE) day ceremony in central London, May 8, 2015.
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Poland's President Bronislaw Komorowski (front L) and officials attend a ceremony to commemorate the anniversary of the end of the World War II, at the WWII Westerplatte Memorial in Gdansk, north Poland, May 8, 2015.
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A Soviet veteran pays his respects during a memorial ceremony on the occasion of the 70th anniversary of the end of World War II at the Soviet cemetery in Lebus, Germany, close to the border of Poland, May 8, 2015.