Soviet Victory Day
As the Soviet representative in Reims had no authority to sign the German instrument of surrender, the Soviet leadership proposed to consider Reims surrender as a "preliminary" act. The surrender ceremony was repeated in Berlin on May 8, where the instrument of surrender was signed by supreme German military commander Wilhelm Keitel, by Georgy Zhukov and Allied representatives. Since the Soviet Union was to the east of Germany, it was May 9 Moscow Time when the German military surrender became effective, which is why Eastern European countries including Russia and former Soviet republics commemorate Victory Day on 9 May instead of 8 May.
Read more about this topic: Victory In Europe Day
Famous quotes containing the words soviet, victory and/or day:
“One difference between Nazi and Soviet camps was that in the latter dying was a slower process.”
—Terrence Des Pres (1939–1987)
“Muhammad is the Messenger of God,
and those who are with him are hard
against the unbelievers, merciful
one to another. Thou seest them
bowing, prostrating, seeking bounty
from God and good pleasure. Their
mark is on their faces, the trace of
prostration....
God has promised
those of them who believe and do deeds
of righteousness forgiveness and
a mighty wage.”
—Qur’An. Victory 48:35, ed. Arthur J. Arberry (1955)
“Before a day was over,
Home comes the rover,
For mother’s kiss—sweeter this
Than any other thing!”
—William Allingham (1824–1889)