From V-E Day to Division’s Legacy
As Europe celebrates 80 years of peace, India and Pakistan face renewed tensions—highlighting global contrasts from a shared post-WWII legacy.
Europe Day 2025
By Elke Porter | WBN News Global | May 8, 2025
Each year on May 9, much of Europe celebrates Europe Day. This symbolic occasion marks the 1950 Schuman Declaration, which proposed creating a new form of political cooperation in Europe—laying the groundwork for what would become the European Union. The goal was simple but profound: never again should war divide the continent.
Today, Europe Day stands as a celebration of unity, reconciliation, and peace—a far cry from the destruction of the Second World War. Many EU institutions, including the European Parliament and Commission, open their doors to the public and host commemorative events.
Legally, the day is recognized across several nations:
- Public holiday in Luxembourg and Kosovo
- Commemorative day in Croatia and Lithuania
- Flag day in Germany
- Independence and Europe Day in Romania
- Since 2023, Ukraine also celebrates Europe Day on May 9, aligning with the EU
The 80th Anniversary of V-E Day
May 8, 2025, marks the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe (V-E) Day, the date when Nazi Germany officially surrendered to Allied forces in 1945. This surrender ended the war in Europe after nearly six years of conflict, mass casualties, and genocide.
Interestingly, the surrender was signed twice:
- First, on May 7 in Reims, France
- Then again, at Stalin’s insistence, just after midnight on May 9 in Berlin
As a result, Russia and many former Soviet nations still celebrate Victory Day on May 9. This year, Russia’s observance includes a three-day ceasefire in the ongoing war in Ukraine—highlighting peace, even briefly, in a region still in conflict.
India and Pakistan: A Different Legacy of 1947
While Europe emerged from WWII with the vision of unity, South Asia was torn apart. The 1947 partition of British India, which created India and Pakistan, mirrors the postwar division of Germany. But the outcomes were vastly different.
Germany eventually reunified. India and Pakistan, however, remain locked in conflict. Three wars, constant border skirmishes, and nuclear tensions have defined their relationship, especially over Kashmir. Today, on May 8, 2025 in Vancouver, BC we heard that Pakistan said it shot down 25 drones from India in its airspace while India said it "neutralised" Pakistan's attempts to strike military targets with drones and missiles...
The Global Irony of May 9
As Europe celebrates peace, and Russia halts war for three days, India and Pakistan inch closer to conflict. The contrast is striking. The same post-WWII moment that birthed Europe’s unity created another region’s lasting division.
This irony should not go unnoticed. But at least there is a glimmer of hope since Russian President Vladimir Putin has ordered the full cessation of hostilities in the Ukraine war on "humanitarian grounds" as Russia celebrates the Victory Day over Nazi Germany in the Second World War. The truce will start just after midnight on May 8, 2025.
What Can the World—and Canadians—Do?
Peace isn't automatic. It requires constant work. In Canada, a multicultural nation with deep South Asian ties, we can:
- Promote awareness of global conflicts
- Support diplomatic efforts and peace-building organizations
- Engage communities in dialogue and reconciliation
- Stand in solidarity with civilians affected by war
Canadians have a legacy of peacekeeping. We can use our voices, networks, and compassion to support efforts toward resolution in South Asia.
A Day to Celebrate—And Reflect
Europe Day and V-E Day remind us of how far Europe has come—from division to unity. But they also remind us that not all regions have found peace. The legacy of partition, in both Europe and South Asia, still echoes in today’s headlines.
As we wave European flags and honor the end of World War II, let us also look beyond our borders. Let us hope—and work—for peace in all parts of the world.
#Europe Day 2025 #VE Day 80 #India Pakistan Conflict #Legacy Of Partition #Global Peace #Canada For Peace #WBN News Global #Elke Porter
Connect with Elke at Westcoast German Media or on LinkedIn: Elke Porter or contact her on WhatsApp: +1 604 828 8788
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