An American soldier hugs an English woman and as crowds celebrate Germany's unconditional surrender
IN PHOTO: An American soldier hugs an English woman and as crowds celebrate Germany's unconditional surrender at Piccadilly Circus, in London, on May 7, 1945, in this handout photo provided by the United States National Archives. Seventy years ago, following the suicide of Nazi leader Adolf Hitler, Germany's head of state Karl Donitz signed his country's surrender to Allied forces in Reims, France on May 7, 1945 and in Berlin on May 8, 1945. REUTERS/United States National Archives

Europe, including U.K. is marking the 70th VE Day anniversary on Friday when the second World War ended on its soil. Celebrations will be on in full swing over the weekend as many events will be held in honour of the conclusion of the historic war.

When Winston Churchill declared that the war with Germany was over, it was a hallmark signifying the much awaited culmination of the bloody war. Over 200 beacons will flare around the U.K. as a two-minute silence gets observed in memory of the dead at London's Cenotaph on Friday.

The Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg, while marking the anniversary and paying tribute to the brave men who fought in the bloody second World War, said, “Today (Friday) marks the 70th anniversary of VE Day, the official end of World War 2 in Europe. After 6 long, hard years of fighting, Germany’s surrender was the news that millions of people across the world had been waiting to hear. In Britain, family, friends, neighbours and even complete strangers came together to celebrate with a party on practically every street.”

Mr. Clegg also expressed his concern for the families of the dead and said that obviously the joy was mixed with sorrow too as the kith and kin of the ones who were martyred in the fight mourned their losses. Saying that the battle was not a vain attempt at victory, he quoted the then Prime Minister Winston Churchill who had addressed the London crowds saying, “God bless you all. This is your victory… everyone, man or woman, has done their best.”

When Germany surrendered on 8 May 1945, thus ending six long years of the gory war, the people of UK mirrored their joy by holding several parties on streets throughout the length and breadth of the country. Buckingham Palace was illuminated with lights for the first time since 1939. The VE Day term got invented when a giant 'V' symbol was projected into the sky above St Paul's Cathedral, shattering years of blackouts.

The Queen who was a princess then will attend a thanksgiving service at Westminster Abbey on Sunday. She had waved to the multitude that had gathered outside the Buckingham Palace at that time. Post service, the serving members of the armed forces and veterans will parade along Whitehall, past the Treasury balcony from which Churchill delivered his celebrated speech.

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