SUMMARY

On May 8, 2024, the National Park Service and the Friends of the WWII Memorial hosted a moving ceremony in honor of the 79th anniversary of the Victory in Europe. The commemoration featured a presentation of colors, national anthems and musical tributes, a presentation of medals to U.S. servicemen and women from the French military, a "Parade of Heroes" and a presentation of wreaths. Under a spring sun, the Ambassadors of France and Ukraine sat side-by-side with WWII veterans, military men and women, civil servants and civilians. From different generations, nations and vocations, those present were united by a common desire to see peace in Europe–in 1945 and in 2024.