VE Day 70th Anniversary Celebration

Remembering Victory In Europe: An Evening of Reflection, Thanks and Fun

REIMS, FRANCE (May 7, 1945) – At 2:41 a.m., the German High Command, in the person of General Alfred Jodl, signs the unconditional surrender of all German forces, east and west. Fighting continues in the east for another day. On May 8, 1945, all fighting ceases on the European continent in the conflict today we call World War II. From that time forward, May 8, 1945 has been known as “Victory in Europe Day” or simply “VE Day.”

ROYAL OAK (May 8, 2015) – At 4:30 p.m., The Michigan WWII Legacy Memorial High Command calls on the people of Michigan to assemble in Memorial Park at 13 Mile Road and Woodward Avenue to celebrate the 70th Anniversary of VE Day and pay their respects to the citizens from our state both on the war front and the home front who helped deliver freedom to the people of Europe and hasten the end to the largest conflict of the twentieth century.

The highlight of this event will be a flyover of the
Yankee Lady B-17 bomber from the Yankee Air Museum while students from Berkley High School and other attendees unfurl a massive America flag. But that’s just the beginning. We will also have remarks from Henri Nussbaum, member of French Forces of the Interior, F.F.I., part of the French Resistance, participant in victory parades in Paris, food trucks, WWII veterans, real life Rosie the Riveters, give-aways from the Michigan Military Technical and Historical Society and the Yankee Air Museum, music from the Berkley High School Symphony Band, a photo contest, a giant thank you card to veterans and home front workers for guests to sign, historic vehicles, the Piquette Square Honor Guard, an “Allied” invasion of motor cycles from the Patriot Guard Riders, American Legion Post 108 Riders and American Legion Post 253 Riders,  a recreated Red Cross Comfort Station for vets sponsored by the Ezra Parker DAR chapter, “Tribute” Rosie the Riveters plus a few surprises.

Click here to download a Intelligence Report (event program)

Text the word VEDAY70 to 91011 to learn about event activities.

Text the word MAIL to 91011 to get real-time updates about the event while you are there.

This event is free and open to the public. Special seating will be available for veterans and home front workers. Please bring a lawn chair if you wish to ensure your seating otherwise.

Click here to download parking information.

The tentative event schedule is as follows, and is subject to change based on factors such as flying conditions. Please check back for updates.

4:30 Event opens
Motorcycle parade, Food trucks, photo contest, Thank You card signing, “Battle of the Bronze” statue contest, Enlistment contest, VE Day “Victory Medal” pins available, meet the architect, historic vehicles, reeanctors
5:00 – 5:15 Presentation of Colors
5:15 – 5:30 Program and ceremonial remarks
5:30 – 5:35 Musical salute to the military branches
6:00 -  6:00 Flag Unfurls, National Anthem
6:00 – 6:15 Flyover updates from WWII  navigator, 2nd Lt. William Rosnyai,
6:15 – 6:15 B-17 Flyover
6:15 – 6:45 Musical salute to the United States
7:15 Moment of silence and Taps

Click here to download a promotional flyer for the event.

Click here to hear a short promo for this event on WJR.
Click here to hear a longer promo for this event on WJR.