70th Anniversary of Victory in Europe Day

May 8, 2015 marks the 70th anniversary of VE Day, also known as Victory in Europe Day, and the end of WWII in Europe.

On May 8, 1945, German soldiers laid down their arms throughout Europe surrendering to the Allied powers.

On 7 May 1945, Germany signed an unconditional surrender at Allied

headquarters in Reims, France, to take effect the following day, ending the

second world war in Europe.

On 30 April 1945, with Soviet troops laying siege to Berlin, Adolf Hitler and

Eva Braun retired to their bunker beneath the Chancellery.

Both committed suicide and charred remains, believed to be theirs, were

found in a nearby bomb crater. It was the end of the Third Reich, which

Hitler claimed would last 1,000 years.

April 30, 1945: Russian soldiers fly the Red Flag, made from tablecloths, over the ruins of the Reichstag in Berlin(Yevgeny Khaldei/Getty Images)

May 1, 1945: Servicemen in New York cheer the news that Hitler died in his Chancellery in Berlin(Keystone/Getty Images)

May 3 1945: War correspondents are shown the grave where Adolf Hitler's charred body is alleged to have been buried, behind the Chancellery in Berlin(Fred Ramage/Keystone/Getty Images)

May 3, 1945: Young prisoners interned at Dachau concentration camp cheer the American troops who liberated the camp(Horace Abrahams/Keystone/Getty Images)

May 4, 1945: Prisoners at Dachau celebrate the liberation of the concentration camp following the arrival of the men of the 42nd Rainbow Division of the US 7th Army(Horace Abrahams/Keystone/Getty Images)

In this May 7, 1945 file photo, Gen. Alfred Jodl, center, signs the unconditional surrender of all armed German forces imposed by the Allied Powers, at Supreme Commander Eisenhowers headquarters in Rheims, France. He is flanked by Gen. Wilhelm Oxenius, Commander of the German Luftwaffe, left, and General Admiral and Commander in Chief of the German fleet, Hans-Georg von Friedeburg, right. (Photo by AP Photo)

In this May 7, 1945 file photo, Gen. Ivan Susloparoff, Russian chief of staff, signs the unconditional surrender terms to Germany, negotiated at Reims, France. At left is his aide, Lt. Gen. Ivan Chermieff, and at right, Lt. Gen. C.A. Spaatz, USAAF. (Photo by Ralph Morse/Pool Photo via AP Photo)

AFP/Getty Images. A picture take n May 7, 1945 in Frankfurt am Main shows (from L) British Field Marshal Bernard Montgomery, US General Dwight D. Eisenhower, Soviet Marshal Gregori Zhukov and British Air Chief Marshal Arthud Tedder toasting in Frankfurt after the signing of the German surrender in Reims.

General Dwight D. Eisenhower holds up a V-for-Victory gesture with the two pens used by high ranking German officers in signing the surrender document at the school house in Reims, France on May 7, 1945.(AP Photo/Al Meserlin)

May 8, 1945: German General Hans-Jurgen Stumpff of the Luftwaffe, German Field Marshal and German chief-of-staff Wilhelm Keitel, and Admiral Hans-Georg Von Friedeburg of the German Navy pose before officially signing the German definitive act of surrender at the headquarters of the Soviet forces in the Berlin suburb of Karlshost(AFP)

70 years ago: Historic VE Day celebration photos

T F DARVAS/REX_Shutterstock. General Dwight Eisenhower and Prime Minister Winston Churchill on VE Day in London.

Soldiers from the Women's Royal Army Corps in their service vehicle, driving through Trafalgar Square during the VE Day celebrations in London. (Photo by R. J. Salmon/Getty Images)

May 8, 1945: Crowds gather in Trafalgar Square in London to celebrate VE day, held to commemorate the official end of Britain's involvement in World War II(Fred Morley/Fox Photos/Getty Images)

May 8, 1945: Soldiers ride on a beer delivery truck through Piccadilly Circus on VE Day. The statue of Eros, protected during the war by advertising hoardings, can be seen in the background(Keystone/Getty Images)

May 8, 1945: American soldiers celebrate VE Day in Trafalgar Square with women from the Auxiliary Territorial Service(Keystone/Getty Images)

May 8, 1945: Mrs Pat Burgess of Palmers Green, north London, waves a newspaper containing the news of Germany's surrender in World War II. She hopes this means that her husband will soon be home for good. (Reg Speller/Fox Photos/Getty Images)

May 8, 1945: VE Day revellers hitch a ride on a lorry in London. (Central Press/Getty Images)

May 8, 1945: A sailor and a civilian clamber on top of a bus stop in Whitehall, to get a better look at London's VE Day celebrations(Keystone/Getty Images)

May 8, 1945: Passing the crowds outside Buckingham Palace on VE Day, a father takes his child on a tour of London's West End in unorthodox style(Reg Speller/Fox Photos/Getty Images)

May 7, 1945: An American soldier in London reads the news of the German surrender at the end of World War II(J Wilds/Getty Images)

May 8, 1945: People in London gather around one of the many bonfires lit to celebrate VE Day(Topical Press Agency/Getty Images)

St. Paul's Cathedral, one of the buildings that survived the wartime blitzes, is shown at night in floodlighting for the first time in nearly six years as a symbol of victory on V-E Day, Victory in Europe, in London, England, on May 8, 1945. (AP Photo)

An American soldier hugs an English woman and as crowds celebrate Germany's unconditional surrender at Piccadilly Circus, in London, on May 7, 1945, in this handout photo provided by the United States National Archives. (Photo by Pfc. Melvin Weiss/Reuters/United States National Archives and Records Administration)

People dance in Fleet Street amid the paper thrown from the offices of the major British newspapersPicture: Rex

VE Day celebrations in Grimsby. Picture: Rex

A seething mass of humanity jammed itself into Whitehall on VE-Day, to see the premier, his cabinet ministers and chiefs of staff who are to appear on the balcony of the Ministry of Health. A section of the huge crowd gathered in Parliament Square into Whitehall in London on May 8, 1945, as they listened to the premierâs broadcast officially announcing Germanyâs unconditional surrender. (AP Photo)

A vast crowd assembled in front of Buckingham Palace, London, on VE Day, May 8, 1945, cheers the Royal Family as they come out on the balcony, centre, minutes after the official announcement of Germany's unconditional surrender. From left are: Princess Elizabeth; Queen Elizabeth; King George VI; and Princess Margaret. (AP Photo/Leslie Priest)

The crowd gathered outside Buckingham Palace, London, on VE Day, May 8, 1945, watch the Guards return to Wellington Barracks after the Changing ceremony. The crowd is waiting for King George VI and his Queen to appear on the balcony. (AP Photo/Leslie Priest)

A seething mass of humanity jammed itself into Whitehall VE-Day, to see the Premier, his cabinet ministers and chief of staff who are to appear on the balcony of the Ministry of Health. A view of the enormous crowd packed into Whitehall as one looks down the street toward the Cenotaph, London, on May 8, 1945. (AP Photo)

Crowds of civilians, British and Allied troops wave and cheer as Winston Churchill, second balcony from left, and members of the cabinet appear, to celebrate the end of the war in Europe, in Whitehall, London, May 8, 1945. (AP Photo)

A crowd gathers to celebrate V-E Day at Piccadilly Circus in London, England, on May 8, 1945. The statute of Eros in the center of the square has been boarded up throughout the war for protection from bombing. (AP Photo)

Canadian soldiers celebrate VE-Day at Piccadilly Circus, London, May 8,1945, in this handout photo provided by Library and Archives Canada. (Photo by Lieut. Arthur L. Cole/Reuters/Canada Department of National Defence/Library and Archives Canada)

8th May 1945: Canadian sailors resting in the park during celebrations in London on VE Day. (Photo by Keystone/Getty Images)

8th May 1945: Canadian troops entertain the crowds in Leicester Square while waiting for the broadcast of the King's VE Day speech. (Photo by Topical Press Agency/Getty Images)

 T F DARVAS/REX. A woman wearing hat with the "Cuddle Up Closer" slogan in London on VE Day.

T F DARVAS/REX. A man hangs on a lamppost among crowds on VE Day in London.

T F DARVAS/REX. A soldier and a sailor dancing in London on VE Day.

ANL/Daily Mail/REX Shutterstock. A car load of merry makers celebrate VE Day Victory in London.

After making his public broadcast officially announcing Germanyâs total surrender, the Prime Minister went to the House of Commons, to make a short address and them moved that the House attend at the church of St. Margaretâs Westminster, to give humble and reverent thanks to almighty God for our deliverance from the threat of German domination. The House then rose and followed the Speaker to the church. Prime Minister Winston Churchill, centre, in the procession of members of the House leaving the Palace of Westminster for St. Margaretâs Church in London, on May 8, 1945. (AP Photo) 

Britain's Prime Minister Winston Churchill leaves the House of Commons, London, on VE Day, May 8, 1945, in a procession of MPs after officially announcing Germany's unconditional surrender. In a spontanaous move, the House is attending a service at nearby St. Margaret's Church to give thanks for peace. (AP Photo) 

Britain's King George VI talks with Prime Minister Winston Churchill and members of the cabinet and chiefs of staff in the grounds of Buckingham Palace, in London on May 8, 1945, during VE Day celebrations. in the foreground are, Sir Archibald Sinclair, Lord Woolton, Winston Churchill, King George VI, Herbret Morrison, Ernest Bevin, Sir John Anderson. (AP Photo) 

British military leader Field Marshal Bernard L. Montgomery, Viscount Montgomery of Alamein, waving as his carriage passes through crowds in the street celebrating VE Day, May 8, 1945. (Photo by Express/Express/Getty Images)

May 8, 1945: British Prime Minister Winston Churchill waves to crowds gathered in Whitehall on VE Day(Keystone/Getty Images)

Britain's Prime Minister Winston Churchill, center, joins the royal family, from left, Princess Elizabeth, Queen Elizabeth, King George VI, and Princess Margaret, on the balcony of Buckingham Palace, London, England, on VE-Day on May 8, 1945. (AP Photo) 

AP Photo. The first British troops to land in Denmark were airborne troops, fresh from their race across Germany. Pictured here, the arrival of airborne troops in the city in Copenhagen on May 7, 1945.

Canadian soldiers and members of the Canadian Women's Army Corps (CWAC) buy flags to wave in the VE-Day celebrations, in London May 8,1945, in this handout photo provided by Library and Archives Canada. (Photo by Sgt. Karen M. Hermeston/Reuters/Canada Department of National Defence/Library and Archives Canada)

May 8, 1945: Military personnel and civilians celebrate VE Day on Sparks Street in Ottawa, Ontario (Canada Department of National Defence/Library and Archives Canada/Reuters)

 AP Photo. People crowd into the street outside the U.S. and British Embassies in Lisbon, Portugal, on VE Day, May 8, 1945. Jubilant crowds celebrated for two days and nights. 

British RAF servicemen and Danish Red Cross girls ride through the streets of Copenhagen, Denmark, May 8, 1945, to celebrate the city's feedom after German troops had been ordered to lay down their arms and surrender to the nearest British troops. (AP Photo/Eddie Worth) 

 AP Photo. A large crowd of Utrecht citizens gathers in the streets of the Dutch city, on May 7, 1945, to welcome the liberating Allied troops in their hometown.

Enthusiastic Danish crowds greeted the British column on its arrival in Copenhagen, May 8, 1945. (AP Photo) 

 REUTERS/Canada Department of National Defence/Library and Archives Canada. Military personnel and civilians celebrate the VE Day parade to Parliament Hill in Ottawa, Ontario, on May 8, 1945.

AP Photo. Parisians march through the Arc de Triomphe jubilantly waving flags of the Allied Nations as they celebrate the end of World War II on May 8, 1945. German military leaders signed an unconditional surrender in Reims, France, on May 7.

8th May 1945: Crowds on the Champs Elysees celebrate Victory in Europe at the end of World War II with a joyful procession. (Photo by Keystone/Getty Images)

Picture dated of May 8, 1945 showing Parisians celebrating the unconditionnal German capitulation in the streets of Paris, at the end of the second World War. (Photo by AFP/Getty Images) 

This is an aerial view of the Arc de Triomphe in Paris on VE Day, May 7, 1945, shows thousands of French people celebrating the announcement of Germany's unconditional surrender to the Allies. British, American and French servicemen mingled with the crowds who sang and danced throughout the night. (AP Photo) 

Picture dated of May 8, 1945 showing people gathering at the Champs Elysees Avenue, in front of the Triumphal Arch (Arc de Triomphe) as Parisians celebrate the unconditionnal German capitulation in the streets of Paris, at the end of the second World War. (Photo by AFP/Getty Images) 

Picture dated of May 8, 1945 showing people looking at the crowded Champs Elysees Avenue from the Triumphal Arch (Arc de Triomphe) as Parisians gathered in the streets of Paris to celebrate the unconditionnal German capitulation at the end of the second World War. (Photo by AFP/Getty Images)

Looking north from 44th Street, New York's Times Square is packed Monday, May 7, 1945, with crowds celebrating the news of Germany's unconditional surrender in World War II. (AP Photo/Tom Fitzsimmons)

New Yorkers jam the streets of Times Square at 11 a.m. on May 7 to cheer the news that Germany had signed the documents of unconditional surrender. The documents were effective the next day, when German troops throughout Europe finally laid down their arms, which is why we celebrate V-E Day, or "Victory in Europe," on May 8.

Bettmann/Corbis. While watched by a celebrating crowd, women are kissed by US military men at Times Square on VE Day in 1945.

New Yorkers pack Times Square on May 7.

REX Shutterstock. A VE Day celebration in New York City on 1945. Ticker tape and streamers rain down on 42nd St. and Lexington Avenue.

Tony Linck—The LIFE Images Collection/Getty Images A "Hitler," who is really Bill Eckert of Merchant Marine with hair over his eyes, is throttled by celebrating passers-by.

Tony Linck—The LIFE Images Collection/Getty Images. On top of a traffic light another celebrant perches precariously, waving an American flag and a paper telling of Nazi surrender

Tony Linck—The LIFE Images Collection/Getty Images. A celebratory kiss on the cheek during V-E Day celebrations in New York City.

Andreas Feininger—The LIFE Picture Collection/Getty Images. In Wall Street ticker tape fell on crowds below. All vehicular traffic was shut off outside Stock Exchange. Stocks reacted by closing slightly lower on the day's trading.

Andreas Feininger—The LIFE Picture Collection/Getty Images. People read newspapers telling of Nazi surrender during V-E Day rally.

Tony Linck—The LIFE Images Collection/Getty Images. Vendor selling American flags amidst the gathering crowd in Times Square to celebrate news that the war in Europe has ended.

New Yorkers Celebrate – Paper showers down from office Buildings in the Times Square area, New York, May 7, as New Yorkers cheer the news of Germany's unconditional surrender. May 08, 1945. (Photo by New York Post/Photo Archives, LLC via Getty Images)

The corner of Wall Street and Nassau Street in New York City during the VE Day celebrations, 7th May 1945. Trinity Church looms in the background. (Photo by Archive Photos/Getty Images)

A Lone Street Cleaner Pushes His Broom In An Uphill Battle to Clean away the paper tossed by joyous New Yorkers in Celebration of the end of the war on May 7. The Scene is at 36th street and Sixth Avenue, New York City. May 07, 1945. (Photo by New York Post/Photo Archives, LLC via Getty Images)

Staff Sgt. Arthur Moore of Buffalo, N.Y., who was wounded in Belgium, stands on 42nd Street near Grand Central Station in New York Monday, May 7, 1945 as New Yorkers celebrate news of VE Day, victory over Nazi Germany. (AP Photo)

A sailor tries to entice a woman in an apron to dance while other sailors dance with their partners on VE Day, World War II, 8th May 1945. (Photo by Archive Photos/Getty Images)

Members of the armed services stage an impromptu parade in front of City Defense Recreation Committee headquarters in New York on May 8. Celebrating the allied victory in Europe are, from left, WAC Pvt. Emily Struczewski; sailor Virgil Twilley; Army Sgt. Melvin V. Andrews; WAVE Veronica Van Kirk and Marine Sgt. Zigmund Gasiewics.

New York's Times Square, May 8, 1945.

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