May 8

Today, May 8, is a national holiday in France.  Do you know why?

It is the Fête de la Victoire de 1945.  In the U.S., the day is known as V-E Day, the day of Germany's surrender in World War.  

When we visited Reims, Greg's cousin Geoff, a serious student of European history, suggested we visit a special museum there.  

During early 1945, Reims was General Eisenhower's headquarters as the Allies completed the Liberation of France and pushed far into Germany.  Following Adolph Hitler's death on April 30, 1945, a delegation of German officers was brought to Reims to discuss surrender.  The Germans agreed to an unconditional surrender and the preliminary act of surrender was signed on May 7, 1945, to be effective May 8.  (A final act of surrender was also signed the next day.)  

Because the room where the surrender was discussed and signed is historically important, the room has been preserved and turned into a museum.  

In addition to the Room of Surrender, the museum has many displays of military uniforms and equipment.  If you are a WWII history buff, the museum is worth visiting.  

Now you know why Reims has an important role in France's national holiday on May 8, the Fête de la Victoire de 1945.  

Thanks for visiting Reims with us.