V-J Day is typically seen as the final end of World War II. Adding complexity, however, is another date that receives little recognition today: , more than a year after Japan’s surrender. This was the date of Truman’s announcement of “a proclamation terminating the period of hostilities of World War II.” By doing so, Truman formally ended 53 “war and emergency ...

Understanding the Context

Dedicated in 2000 as The National D-Day Museum and now designated by Congress as America’s National WWII Museum, the institution celebrates the American spirit, teamwork, optimism, courage and sacrifices of the men and women who fought on the battlefront and served on the Home Front. D-Day Initially set for June 5, D-Day was delayed due to poor weather. With a small window of opportunity in the weather, Eisenhower decided to go—D-Day would be . Paratroopers began landing after midnight, followed by a massive naval and aerial bombardment at 6:30 a.m.

Key Insights

American forces faced severe resistance at Omaha and Utah ... D-Day Timeline On , Western Allied forces launched Operation Overlord, the massive Allied invasion of Normandy, France, to liberate Nazi-occupied Europe. The timeline below features some of the key events of D-Day, the greatest amphibious landing in history. The flags of freedom fly over all Europe," Truman said. Truman designated May 8 as V-E Day and most of the Western Allies followed suit.

Final Thoughts

The Soviets, however, designated May 9 as V-E Day or Soviet Victory Day, based on the document signed in Berlin. News of Germany's surrender ignited joyous celebrations in cities across the world. The day after liberation, the Extraordinary Soviet State Commission for the Investigation of the Crimes of the German-Fascist Aggressors began their investigation into the crimes committed at Auschwitz.