Donald Trump has renamed VE Day to remove any mention of Europe from the commemoration of Germany’s surrender in World War II. The US president declared the day would now be known in America as Victory Day for World War II, appearing to downplay the role of European forces. The Republican also scrapped the name Armistice Day, instead recognising Germany’s defeat in 1918 as Victory Day for World War I.
He wrote online: “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. So we are going to start celebrating our victories again.”
These names are similar to the one Russia uses, celebrating Victory Day on May 9 to mark the surrender of the Nazis.
The US became involved in World War II after Japan’s attacks on Pearl Harbour in 1941. Before that, they were supplying the Allied forces with aid.
Mr Trump continued: “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.”
The US president was quick to face criticism for this move as the end of World War II is typically considered to be later in the year as Allied forces, the US, continued to fight against the Japanese until August 15, 1945, now marked by VJ Day.
Former MSNBC host Keith Olbermann hit back: “We won World War II on August 15, 1945, when the Japanese surrendered. Trump is a complete moron.”
Larry Sabota, director of UVA’s Center for Politics, added: “Just embarrassing. Trump doesn’t even know the basic facts about WWI and WWII.”
In the UK, VE Day commemorations will start on May 5, when the Cenotaph will be draped in Union flags, there will be a military procession from Whitehall to Buckingham Palace, and an RAF flypast over London.
Churches and cathedrals across the country will also ring their bells at 6:30pm as a collective act of thanksgiving.
Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy said it’s a “chance for us to come together and celebrate our veterans and ensure their legacy of peace is passed on to future generations”.
