As the 75th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day (V-E Day) approaches, U.S. European Command (USEUCOM) will virtually commemorate the historic occasion with a series of events Friday.

On May 8, 1945, war in Europe ended after almost six years of conflict that devastated entire countries; decimated families, homes and cities; and brought terrible suffering and the horrors of the Holocaust.

“On this milestone anniversary of V-E Day, we remember all who resisted behind enemy lines, those who tirelessly worked on farms and in factories to supply and equip the war effort, who fought on land, sea, and in the air,” said Gen. Tod D. Wolters, commander, U.S. European Command. “We also reflect on the horrors of World War II, the Holocaust, the tremendous destruction, the millions of lives lost which are all solemn reminders of the importance of preserving peace.”

On Friday, USEUCOM will salute the service and sacrifices of the entire World War II generation.

Gen. Tod D. Wolters, Commander U.S. European Command and Supreme Allied Commander Europe, will participate in a virtual wreath-laying ceremony in Belgium. Video of the event will be posted at 8 a.m. CET on the command’s social media channels at www.facebook.com/eucom, www.twitter.com/us_eucom and www.instagram.com/eucomofficial.

Victory in Europe Day 75 culminates 16 months of WWII commemoration in Europe, a period in which USEUCOM participated in nearly 150 ceremonies and events.

Since April 1, the USEUCOM led a “Countdown to V-E Day 75” social media campaign highlighting daily historical photos, facts, imagery and footage as well as a Facebook Live session with Butler and USEUCOM’s Chief of Theater Outreach, Elizabeth Ortiz.

Additional V-E Day resources – DoD VE Day Event Toolkit, U.S. Army Center of Military History, World War II Photos (National Archives), War’s End-VE Day (Library of Congress), The War Ends in Europe video, and WWII in Europe materials – are available at www.eucom.mil/countdown-to-veday75.