WWII veterans and foreign military dignitaries applaud during a ceremony to mark the 81st anniversary of V-E Day on Friday, May 8, 2026, at the National World War II Memorial in Washington. (Eric Kayne/Stars and Stripes)
WASHINGTON — Veterans and dignitaries gathered Friday at the National World War II Memorial to commemorate the 81st anniversary of Victory in Europe Day with a ceremony honoring the sacrifices of Allied forces and the legacy of the “Greatest Generation.”
Six World War II veterans were among those recognized during the event, which featured remarks by officials, a wreath-laying ceremony and musical tributes by the U.S. Army Brass Quintet and a bugler performing taps.
Kevin Griess, superintendent of the National Mall and Memorial Parks, reflected on the significance of the WWII Memorial.
“This memorial is a tribute to everything these people here represent: those who did not return, and the families whose lives were changed forever by their sacrifices,” Griess said. “This memorial reflects our freedoms, our responsibilities to those who came before us, our responsibilities to lead those who come after us and to serve well while we’re here.”
Harold Radish, a WWII reconnaissance sergeant with the 90th Infantry Division, hears the applause during a ceremony to mark the 81st anniversary of V-E Day on Friday, May 8, 2026, at the National World War II Memorial in Washington. (Eric Kayne/Stars and Stripes)
Members of the military line up to carry wreaths to lay at the Wall of Heroes to mark the 81st anniversary of V-E Day on Friday, May 8, 2026, at the National World War II Memorial in Washington. (Eric Kayne/Stars and Stripes)
A bugler plays taps to mark the 81st anniversary of V-E Day on Friday, May 8, 2026, at the National World War II Memorial in Washington. (Eric Kayne/Stars and Stripes)
WWII veterans are honored at the Wall of Heroes to mark the 81st anniversary of V-E Day on Friday, May 8, 2026, at the National World War II Memorial in Washington. (Eric Kayne/Stars and Stripes)
A bugler plays taps to mark the 81st anniversary of V-E Day on Friday, May 8, 2026, at the National World War II Memorial in Washington. (Eric Kayne/Stars and Stripes)
Dr. Kevin Griess, the superintendent of the National Mall and Memorial Parks, makes remarks during a ceremony to mark the 81st anniversary of V-E Day on Friday, May 8, 2026, at the National World War II Memorial in Washington. (Eric Kayne/Stars and Stripes)
A National Park Service ranger arranges wreaths before a ceremony to mark the 81st anniversary of V-E Day on Friday, May 8, 2026, at the National World War II Memorial in Washington. (Eric Kayne/Stars and Stripes)
Col. Christoffer Knutsen, assistant defense attache from the Royal Norwegian Embassy, salutes the crowd during a ceremony to mark the 81st anniversary of V-E Day on Friday, May 8, 2026, at the National World War II Memorial in Washington. (Eric Kayne/Stars and Stripes)
Jane Droppa, chair of Friends of the National World War II Memorial, also spoke about the significance of V-E Day and the memorial.
“Here at the National WWII Memorial, we are reminded that VE Day is not only a date in history. It is a charge to us today,” Droppa said. “The legacy of the WWII generation asks something of every generation that follows: to remember honestly, to teach faithfully, to stand against hatred and tyranny, and to recognize that democracy, liberty and peace are never guaranteed.”
After the speeches, the veterans placed floral wreaths in front of the Freedom Wall at the memorial and saluted during the playing of taps.
