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1945: Canada celebrates victory in Europe

May 8, 1945, was a day to celebrate. It was VE-Day, the long-awaited moment when the Allied forces triumphed over Nazi Germany to claim victory in Europe. But the joy brought by news of peace was dampened by the memory of fallen comrades and the ongoing war in the Pacific. From the liberation of Holland through the German surrender, celebrations in Canada and the servicemen's return, CBC Archives follows Canadians as the war ends in Europe.

 Victory flags are flying high, church bells are ringing, and people are celebrating in the streets. It's May 7, 1945, and the Allies have secured victory in Europe -- 2,076 days after the start of the Second World War. Following a long series of hard-fought battles against Nazi aggression, the Allies get the news that German troops have finally conceded unconditional surrender. But for many this victory is somewhat bittersweet.

While the official announcement won't come until May 8, Canadians across the country are celebrating this as a time of remembrance and victory while keeping their resolve focused on the war still being fought in the Pacific. CBC Radio marks VE Day with reports from celebrations across the country.

• Support for the war effort was met with enthusiasm and, by September 1939, over 58,000 Canadian men and women volunteered to serve in the Canadian Forces.
• A total of 1,086,343 Canadian men and women performed full-time duty during the course of the war, and 42,042 Canadians died in service.
• Canada sent forth the third largest navy in the allied forces and its airforce was the fourth largest.


Medium: Radio
Program: John Fisher Reports
Broadcast Date: May 7, 1945
Host: John Fisher
Reporter: Roger Beaulieu, Harry Boyle, Jean Hinds, Mac Smith, Dick Halhed
Duration: 25:28
Photo: National Archives of Canada PA-114617

Last updated: January 30, 2012

Page consulted on March 20, 2013

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