THUNDER BAY - It was on May 8, 1945 when Nazi Germany officially surrendered to the Allied powers that put an end to hostilities in Europe during the Second World War.
With so many people around the world sacrificing so much to defeat fascism, one local veteran reflects on VE Day 75 years later and what it was like when the news first reached Canada.
“We were taking the last part of training in Calgary,” said Roy Lamore, who served in the Royal Canadian Navy during the Second World War. “I still recall the streetcars; people were on top of the streetcars and in the streets. It was a real jubilant part of it. No matter where you went, people were glad it was all over.”
War had raged in Europe for more than five years, claiming millions of lives, including more than 45,000 Canadians.
It wasn’t until early May 1945 when large numbers of German soldiers surrendered to Allied armies during the Battle of Berlin, as well as in Denmark and the Netherlands. The Allies accepted the unconditional surrender of Nazi Germany on May 8.
Lamore, like thousands of other Canadians, including his brother and sister, enlisted to fight in the war. When victory was achieved, Lamore was training in Calgary and he said it was like everyone instantly knew it was over.
“It was all over. It was broadcast,” he said. “Something like this, everybody knew what was going on. Everybody was happy this was going on. No matter where you went, they had all heard about it.”
And while it was a time for celebrations 75 years ago, now VE Day is marked with somber ceremonies around the world, moments of silence, and remembering those who gave their lives.
For Lamore, this is the message that he wants people to remember, especially young people, which is something he has been sharing for decades.
“This is something to embed on the younger group,” he said. “This isn’t just some war you seen on television. There are no winners. The big part of it, when we went to the schools and did speeches, it wasn’t to say, join the service. It wasn’t like the old comic books. When you went to war, it was your life you were involved with.”
This year, virtual ceremonies were held around the world on Friday due to COVID-19 restrictions.
