In a seemingly unremarkable classroom in Reims, France, a significant chapter of European history was written. This nondescript red-brick building, nestled on an unexceptional street on the wrong side of the railway tracks, served as the Collège Moderne et Technique in May 1945. It was here that General Dwight D. Eisenhower and his team orchestrated the final assault on Nazi Germany from what was then the Supreme Headquarters of the Allied Expeditionary Force. This place, described by a Baltimore Sun correspondent as “the most secret of secret places in Europe,” bore witness to the signing of the act that ended World War II in Europe on May 7, 1945.
The 80th Victories in Europe (VE) Day carries particular significance this year, as it celebrates a pivotal moment in history that now feels more fragile than ever. The events of May 1945, marked by the unconditional surrender of Germany, are being commemorated with renewed emphasis, not just for the weight of history they carry but also as a reminder of the unpredictable future of peace and security on the continent.
Arnaud Robinet, the current mayor of Reims, expresses a minor regret over the oversight of this particular date in France’s history, noting that while France acknowledges May 7th as the day of the surrender, it is officially remembered on May 8th, the date chosen for VE Day. Despite this, Reims continues to observe May 7th annually, with this year’s ceremony poised to be particularly significant, televised a day before national commemorations in Paris.
The commemorations in Reims this year will be a testament to the enduring importance of historical memory and the lessons it holds for future generations. Events planned include official ceremonies, talks, documentaries, a play, a son et lumière display, and community gatherings, all aimed at passing on this history to the next generation. The people of Reims, particularly the students, see this as a moment to act as custodians of this history, ensuring that its significance is not lost, especially against the backdrop of today’s geopolitical tensions.
The historical records show that the allied victory was officially recognized on May 8, 1945, primarily due to Joseph Stalin’s desire for a grander, more symbolic surrender in Soviet-held Berlin. The surrender in Reims, a military affair, saw the signing of a full and unconditional surrender by General Alfred Jodl on behalf of Germany. This moment was not immediately celebrated; the news was initially suppressed, and it wasn’t until later when it broke out to the world, marking the end of nearly five years of conflict.
In this historical building, now a museum, the significance of that day is preserved for future generations. As the continent reflects on the 80th VE Day, the museum stands as a memorial to peace, a reminder of the sacrifices made, and a caution against the mistakes of the past.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/may/06/you-feel-the-huge-weight-of-history-the-room-where-nazi-germany-surrendered
