79 Years Ago Germany Surrendered; Recounted By The May 10, 1945 Star-Times Newspaper

The date of May 8 is one that may be one of the most influential and significant dates that the U.S. along with millions of families have ever experienced.

Today is Wednesday, May 8, 2024 and exactly 79 years ago to the date of May 8, 1945, Nazi Germany finally surrendered to the Allied Powers. The City of Staunton covered the war extensively in its old newspaper issues and would oftentimes give updates on local people that were in the service. Presented below is an article that was published in the Staunton Star-Times’ May 10, 1945 newspaper:

War In Europe has Ended; V-E Day Celebrated Tuesday

News Flashed Unofficially Monday; President Made Proclamation Tuesday

The war in Europe is officially ended. The unconditional surrender order was given by Adm. Karl Doenitz, successor to Adolf Hitler, and the papers were signed at 2:41 a.m. on Monday, May 8, 1945, at Reims, the headquarters of Gen. Dwight Eisenhower.

All armies were immediately notified of the fact, and firing was to cease at 12:01 o’clock a.m. Wednesday, (5:01 p.m., Tuesday, central war time.)

Thus ended the greatest war of all time, insofar as men and materials used are concerned, and the costliest in lives and dollars. Starting in Sept. of 1939, when the Nazi army invaded Poland, it lasted over five and one half years.

The U.S. was drawn into the conflict when Germany’s axis partner, Japan, pulled the sneak attack at Pearl Harbor on Dec. 7, 1941.