Today is the Day of Remembrance and Victory over Nazism. The day when all of Europe marks the end of the most terrible war of the 20th century. A war after which there should have been only genuine peace. That was the dream back then, when the guns of World War II began to fall Show more Load image 5 KB
— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) May 8, 2026
May 9 is a day of remembrance. A day when we honor those who defeated Nazism in the Second World War and those who never returned home. There is no family in Belarus untouched by that war. We remember that sacrifice, and that is why it is especially painful to see the memory of Show more Load image
— Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya (@Tsihanouskaya) May 9, 2026
Today is 8 May in France, a public holiday, but above all a day of memory. On this day in 1945, the Second World War ended in Europe. In Paris, beneath the Arc de Triomphe, the French flag says more than words can: liberation, sacrifice, remembrance… and the fragile beauty of Show more Load image 73 KB
— France Safety Travel (@francesafetytra) May 8, 2026
Today we commemorate the Day of Remembrance and Victory over Nazism. We bow our heads in honor of all who fought to defeat Nazism and restore freedom to Europe. Eternal gratitude to the heroes. Eternal memory to the innocent victims of World War II. We remember. We honor. We Show more 0:36 Load video
On the Day of Remembrance and Victory over Nazism in World War II, we honor those who fought against Nazism and remember the millions of lives destroyed by the Second World War. For Ukraine, this is not only about history. Here, in heart of Europe, we once again face a brutal Show more Load image 94 KB
“Never again” is not a phrase of history. It is a test of the world. Still unanswered. Today, on the Day of Remembrance and Reconciliation, we remember Ukraine not as a footnote of World War II, but as one of its deepest scars. Over 8 million lives lost in that war, a generation Show more 0:33 1 MB Load video
— Liberty Ukraine Foundation 🇺🇸🇺🇦 (@LibertyUkraineF) May 8, 2026
Today, on the Day of Remembrance and Victory over Nazism in World War II, the NATO Representation to Ukraine honors the memory of all those who courageously defended peace and freedom. Forever remembered Load image 63 KB
Today, May 8, the world remembers the victims of the Second World War. For Ukraine it is the Day of Remembrance and Victory. Our war began on 1 September 1939. Millions of Ukrainians fought against Nazism — in the Red Army, in the Allied forces, and in the Ukrainian Insurgent Show more Load image
Since 2015 Ukraine commemorates 8 May as the Day of Remembrance and Reconciliation - like throughout Europe and the civilised world - which pays tribute to the victims of World War II. Russia continues to celebrate the Stalinist 9 May Victory Day. Ukraine commemorates the Show more Load image 28 KB Load image
On this Day of Remembrance and Victory over Nazism in World War II, we honour millions of people whose lives were taken by this war, as well as those who defended the world from Nazism. World War II became one of the most terrible tragedies in human history. Millions of Show more Load image 82 KB
Time of Remembrance and Reconciliation for Those Who Lost Their Lives During the Second World War
The Time of Remembrance and Reconciliation for Those Who Lost Their Lives During the Second World War commemorate those millions of innocent lives lost during one of history’s darkest periods. this day serves as a poignant reminder of the relentless devastation of war and the indispensable need for peace, understanding and mutual tolerance among all nations. Invariably, it is also a call-to-action for each generation to uphold the lessons from these devastating events and work towards a peaceful existence.
For Australians, this observance carries significant historical undertones. Australians have had their share of the tragedies of World War II, with more than 27,000 citizens perishing in the conflict. Many Australian civilians and military personnel who survived also suffered profound physical and psychological traumas. Hence, this remembrance not only resonates with the generational stories of loss, bravery, and resilience but also underlines the nation’s strong attributes for peace and unity post-war.
In Australia, the Time of Remembrance and Reconciliation for Those Who Lost Their Lives During the Second World War is marked with sombre reverence. Remembrance services are conducted at local war memorials, military establishments, and educational institutions. Recollections of personal stories from the war are shared through a variety of mediums, broadening public awareness and imparting vital historical knowledge to younger generations. These observances, often coinciding with other national memorial days, emphasise the underlying message of this international day - the enduring commitment to peace, reconciliation, and valuing human life.
Top 2 Facts for 2026 Time of Remembrance and Reconciliation for Those Who Lost Their Lives During the Second World War in Australia
Australia's existing commemorative tradition - ANZAC Day - had its origins in World War I, but it took on a new resonance during and after World War II. As well as commemorating the sacrifices of soldiers on the battlefields of Europe, it also came to represent a time to remember those who served and died in the Pacific.
The contribution of Indigenous Australians to the Second World War effort has been increasingly recognised and commemorated in recent years. It is estimated that at least 3,000 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people served in the armed forces during World War II.
In the News and Trending in Australia for Time of Remembrance and Reconciliation for Those Who Lost Their Lives During the Second World War
Top things to do in Australia for this observance
Visit one of the many war memorials around the world. Some popular memorials include the National World War II memorial in Washington, DC or the Cenotaph in London, United Kingdom. Another popular memorial is the Mamayev Kurgan (The Motherland Calls) in Volgograd, Russia.
Visit Camp Pell, the former US Army training base turned tourist attraction in Victoria that was used during the Second World War to prepare soldiers for combat in the Pacific. Camp Pell is located in the suburb of Parkville in Melbourne.
Visit Kokoda Trail Memorial Walkway in Sydney, which commemorates the Australian soldiers who fought and died in the Papua New Guinea campaign during the Second World War.