From VE Day to Memorial Day
Remembering Sacrifices, Peacemaking and Rebuilding
Victory in Europe (VE) Day was May 8, 1945, marking the end of World War II in Europe. This year was the 80th anniversary of this day on which the Allies formally accepted Germany's unconditional surrender. VE Day was celebrated as the victory of the Allies over Nazi tyranny, and it started a process of peacemaking along with the rebuilding of war-torn communities and nations.
This year, Memorial Day falls 18 days later, giving Americans an opportunity to mourn and honor the military personnel who have died while serving in the United States Armed Forces. During World War II, approximately 405,399 American service members died, including both military personnel and civilians. There were over 1 million casualties in the war, a number which includes the dead and the wounded.
From VE Day to Memorial Day, we should be remembering sacrifices. “No one has greater love than this,” said Jesus to his disciples, “to lay down one's life for one's friends” (John 15:13).
According to NPR, there were memorials and moments of silence across Europe on May 8, 2025, but the day also included "fears for Europe's future security, amid Russia's war in Ukraine and fraying relations with the United States." In Britain, King Charles III saluted troops in a military parade, and observers in the stands included World War II veterans, many with wheelchairs and canes. Neighborhoods across the United Kingdom threw tea parties in the street, and pubs stayed open two hours later than usual, so that people could toast members of the "greatest generation."
Speaking at a defense conference, Prime Minister Keir Starmer praised the "courage of that lion-hearted generation." He said that World War II was the "greatest victory in the history of this great nation," but added that it was a "victory not just for Britain" -- it was also a victory "for good against the assembled forces of hatred, tyranny and evil."
World War II was a fight against tyranny, and Christians should always be involved in such struggles. Where do you see evidence of tyranny in the world today, and what are you willing to do about it? The fight can be peaceful and political, and it will be effective if it is principled and persistent.
On June 5, 1947, about two years after VE Day, United States secretary of state George Marshall put forward the idea of a European economic recovery plan, to be financed by the United States. Speaking at Harvard University, he called on the countries of Europe to unite in planning their economic recovery.
According to The Guardian, he warned them that the United States could not do much to alleviate Europe's difficulties until a program had been agreed on by a number of European nations. "This is the business of Europeans," he said. "The initiative, I think, must come from Europe."
Marshall's goal was to restore the confidence of the European people in the economic future of their countries and all of Europe. He stated that "the United States should do whatever it is able to do to assist in the return of normal economic health in the world without which there can be no political stability and no assured peace."
Marshall promised that any government "that is willing to assist it in the task of recovery will find full cooperation on the part of the United States government." At the same time, he warned that "governments, political parties or groups which seek to perpetuate human misery in order to profit therefrom politically or otherwise will encounter the opposition of the United States."
In 1948, the "Marshall Plan" began its work. Both houses of Congress approved the Foreign Assistance Bill, and President Harry Truman signed it. Ships left New York with cargo that the US was contributing toward the economic reconstruction of Europe. The goal was to feed people who were starving and to restore Europe and make it self-supporting. President Truman called the plan "perhaps the greatest venture in constructive statesmanship that any nation has ever taken."
From VE Day to Memorial Day, we should remember the work of peacemaking and rebuilding. “Your ancient ruins shall be rebuilt,” said the prophet Isaiah; “you shall raise up the foundations of many generations; you shall be called the repairer of the breach, the restorer of streets to live in” (Isaiah 58:12).
This work is not yet finished. In each of our families, churches and communities, there are opportunities for us to work for reconciliation between family members and neighbors, and to be rebuilders, repairers and restorers.
Today, Memorial Day, take time to remember those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for their friends and neighbors. Honor their efforts by working for peace in your own family, church and community, and by doing what you can to repair broken relationships and build a better world.