Photo: Alamy
President Donald Trump stated on Thursday that he will designate May 8 as World War II Victory Day in the U.S., celebrating the day that occurs on Victory in Europe Day.
Trump posted the details behind his decision in a Truth Social post on the upcoming date.
“Many of our allies and friends are celebrating May 8th as Victory Day, but we did more than any other Country, by far, in producing a victorious result on World War II. I am hereby renaming May 8th as Victory Day for World War II and November 11th as Victory Day for World War I,” Trump wrote.
“We won both Wars, nobody was close to us in terms of strength, bravery, or military brilliance, but we never celebrate anything — That’s because we don’t have leaders anymore, that know how to do so! We are going to start celebrating our victories again!” he continued.
May 8 marks the day all military operations ended for World War II, one day after the Germans surrendered to Allied Forces. The war officially ended on Sept. 2, 1945, after Japan surrendered.
While Europe marks the end of World War II with an annual holiday, the U.S. has not declared a public holiday, though many observances and proclamations have been held over the years since the war ended.
The announcement adds to a growing number of activities Trump has launched to emphasize American patriotism since his return to office. He has also formed a task force to coordinate a series of national events to mark America’s 250th birthday in 2026, with significant celebrations planned for July 4 next year.
The president’s order included a “grand celebration of the semiquincentennial of the ratification of the Declaration of Independence” leading up to July 4 of next year.
The Trump order also expected to reinstated executive actions from his first administration. These include the establishment of the National Garden of American Heroes, a statuary park honoring 250 historically significant Americans, and commissioning artists to create the first 100 statues.
The garden is intended to celebrate “American heroism” following the removal or destruction of numerous monuments, including those of presidents and founding fathers, that were never restored, Fox News reported.
