8 May Fete end of WWII

[naplesdon]

The authorities are bracing for protests on next Wednesday. Be wary of your surroundings in France. Obviously avoid large crowds.

 

[Deleted member 67185]

The authorities are bracing for protests on next Wednesday. Be wary of your surroundings in France. Obviously avoid large crowds.

Don, what is the origin behind these protests for this date?

 

[dougfitz]

On a note of historical accuracy, Victory in Europe might be celebrated on 8 May, but WWII did not end until the surrender of the Japanese on 2 Sep 1945, following an armistice on 14 Aug.

 

[KinkyOne]

On a note of historical accuracy, Victory in Europe might be celebrated on 8 May, but WWII did not end until the surrender of the Japanese on 2 Sep 1945, following an armistice on 14 Aug.

WW2 in Europe, Doug, yes. Although in my country it officially ended on May 9th

Remind me when the war in Iraq ended? What was that USA president that proclaimed it??? It was on a battle ship I think. How many years ago? ETC.........

 

[Stivandrer]

I think the OP tried to put emphasis on the French authorities who might have some info on possible coming attacks there.
we can contest when WW2 really ended another day !

 

[trecile]

I think the OP tried to put emphasis on the French authorities who might have some info on possible coming attacks there.
we can contest when WW2 really ended another day !

I don't think that the OP was talking about attacks, but protests and demonstrations.

 

[Kathar1na]

What is the origin behind these protests for this date?

It has nothing to do with the date of 8 May as such and commemoration of 8 May 1945. It’s the gilets jaunes (yellow vests).

 

[Kathar1na]

On a note of historical accuracy, Victory in Europe might be celebrated on 8 May, but WWII did not end until the surrender of the Japanese on 2 Sep 1945, following an armistice on 14 Aug.

You are right of course. However, within Europe, "Victory Day in Europe" or "VE Day" is not an expression that is in current use in most European languages and countries other than in English and in the UK. I had a look at a short list in one of the Wikipedia articles - I like to look at articles in several languages on the same topic because there are often nuances. In the majority of European countries and languages it is either called Liberation Day or Victory Day, and it is commemorated on 5 May or 8 May or 9 May, depending on when the war ended for their civil population and their fighters.

Often, when you say "end of the war", "fin de la guerre", "Kriegsende", "конец войны", without any further qualification, most people still understand that what is meant is WWII.

 

[dougfitz]

You are right of course. However, within Europe, "Victory Day in Europe" or "VE Day" is not an expression that is in current use in most European languages and countries other than in English and in the UK. I had a look at a short list in one of the Wikipedia articles - I like to look at articles in several languages on the same topic because there are often nuances. In the majority of European countries and languages it is either called Liberation Day or Victory Day, and it is commemorated on 5 May or 8 May or 9 May, depending on when the war ended for their civil population and their fighters. Often, if you say "end of the war", "fin de la guerre", "Kriegsende", without any further qualification, most people still understand that what is meant is WWII.

You are probably correct that most people in Europe will be focused on the major events there, and not on the broader range of events taking place in Asia and Oceania. The events that preceded the entry of the US into WWII could be traced back to the Japanese invasion of Manchuria in 1931 and then China in 1937, not Poland or anywhere in Europe. But that is where I expect many Europeans would consider WWII started in 1939.

 

[t2andreo]

WW2 in Europe, Doug, yes. Although in my country it officially ended on May 9th

Remind me when the war in Iraq ended? What was that USA president that proclaimed it??? It was on a battle ship I think. How many years ago? ETC.........

Do be careful... you’re Losing the plot. Please don’t digress and offend the moderator gods...

 

[naplesdon]

All I was suggesting was vigilance. It's a holiday and the gilets jaunes will be taking to the streets.

 

[trecile]

All I was suggesting was vigilance. It's a holiday and the gilets jaunes will be taking to the streets.

Thanks for the heads up. I arrive in Paris on Tuesday, and will be there until Friday. Are there any particular parts of the city to avoid on Wednesday?

 

[naplesdon]

I would avoid the Champs Elysees, anywhere on the Left Bank around the university and especially Place Saint-Michel. They have mainly protested in the open in large spaces but the Metro is no immune. I think last week there was lots of activity around Gare Lyon.

 

[trecile]

I would avoid the Champs Elysees, anywhere on the Left Bank around the university and especially Place Saint-Michel. They have mainly protested in the open in large spaces but the Metro is no immune. I think last week there was lots of activity around Gare Lyon.

Thank you!