Lethbridge community, Legion, dignitaries come together for V-E Day

Members of the community, Legion and dignitaries gathered for a ceremony marking the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day, also known as V-E Day.

Thursday marked the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day, also known as V-E Day.

Members of the community, Legion and dignitaries gathered for a short ceremony earlier in the day.

The event featured a wreath laying and flypast.

On May 5, 1945, Canadian and allied soldiers accepted the surrender of the German forces in the Netherlands and two days later, remaining German forces surrendered across Europe and the next day, May 8, was declared V-E Day.

“Make sure that we always appreciate what it means to be free because we—and I do, too—we always take it for granted,” said Henry Heinen, who was born in Holland.

“We will try to commemorate any event that has any world significance, like V-E Day, D-Day, the Battle of Normandy—any of those events that happened, they weren’t without a sacrifice,” said David Martin, president at Royal Canadian Legion General Stewart Branch #4.

On May 9, the Soviet Union celebrated Victory Day in 1945.