London: May 8 marks the 75th anniversary of the end of war in Europe. As word of German General Alfred Jodl's surrender in Reims spread around the globe, celebrations broke out from New York to London, to Paris and Moscow.
In towns and cities around the world, people marked victory with street parties, dancing and singing.
In Britain, a radio news flash on 8 May announced that war had ended and that 'Victory in Europe Day' would be a national holiday.
Prime Minister Winston Churchill addressed the nation to announce the ceasefire.
On May 8 1945 crowds swarmed around Nelson's Column in London's Trafalgar Square to listen to the Brtish Prime Minister Winston Churchill announce the end of the war in Europe, in a speech played over loudspeakers.
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In the capital, thousands of revellers swarmed Buckingham Palace, the Mall and Trafalgar Square, carrying British flags and jubilant smiles.
After years of wartime restrictions and conflict - including food and clothes rationing, bombing raids and blackouts - people were keen to let loose.
Londoners celebrated in the streets and many went to Buckingham Palace, where King George VI appeared on the balcony alongside his wife Queen Elizabeth, Princesses Elizabeth and Margaret and the Prime Minister Winston Churchill.
While London crowds loudly rejoiced, VE Day was in no way an end to hostilities or food and clothing rationing.
War against Japan didn't end till August 1945, clothes rationing continued till 1949 and food rationing till 1954.
Crowds headed towards Buckingham Palace where the Royal Family appeared on the balcony with Churchill to great acclaim.
Today those same streets are deserted as Britain fights a new, invisible enemy. One that has struck the British Prime Minister, and killed thousands.
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(With inputs from AP)
