PURPOSE: The day was designated to Pay Tribute to the 40 million civilians, to the 20 million soldiers dead and to promote reconciliation.The Second World War Tribute program honors the sacrifices of those who served. The date of 8 May was chosen because it is the day the Nazi forces in Germany surrendered in 1945 but, recognizing that United Nations member states may have their own memorable days associated with the victory over fascism, the General Assembly invited all countries, the United Nations organizations, non-governmental organizations and individuals to celebrate either 8 May and 9 May, or both of these days annually as a tribute to all victims of the Second World War.
FORUM: “Remember the victims.” 2026 Time of Remembrance and Reconciliation for those who lost their lives during WWII. The Second World War had a profound impact on the international community, and established the conditions for the creation of the United Nations. This weekend marks the official remembrance of the tens of millions of civilians and soldiers who died during the War. Follow the conversations with the hashtags: #8may, #9may, #WWIIhistory, #MinuteofSilence, #TimeofRemembrance, #RemembranceDay, #VictoryDay, #VEday, #GreatPatrioticWar.
EVENTS: On 8 and 9 May 2026; to mark the anniversary of the End of the Second World War, the United Nations invite the 193 member countries, non-governmental organizations, and individuals, to pay tribute to the victims of the war and participate to high-level talks. To observe the 81st anniversary of the end of the Second World War, a special solemn meeting will be held by the United Nations General Assembly. Register to participate!
From June 3 to 8th, 2026, we will mark the 82nd anniversary of D-Day, with U.S. military joint task forces participating in commemorations in Normandy. The 82nd anniversary of D-Day will be marked by week-long commemorations in Normandy, France, from May 30 to June 14, 2026, featuring parades, reenactments, and an international ceremony in Langrune-sur-Mer. Events will honor the 1944 liberation, focusing on preserving the legacy of veterans.
The Permanent Mission of the Russian Federation to the UN is holding the Tsuretsky Choir & Soprano concert with its musical project dedicated to the 80th Anniversary of the WWII Victory.
The Military Parade will be held on the Red Square in Moscow to commemorate the 81st anniversary of the Soviet victory in the Great Patriotic War.
In Moscow, Russia, On May 9th, the President will attend military parade to mark the 81st anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War; The Guests of honour at the parade will be President of the Republic of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko, President of the Republic of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, President of the Kyrgyz Republic Sadyr Japarov, President of the Republic of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon, President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov, President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev, President of the Republic of Cuba Miguel Diaz-Canel Bermudez, President of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic Thongloun Sisoulith, and the Prime minister of the Sultana of Malaysia Anwar Ibrahim. Together with Vladimir Putin, the leaders will also take part in a flower-laying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. In the afternoon, bilateral high-level talks will take place.
In Normandy France; A tribute to the military soldiers at the American cemetery will be observed. Learn more.
At the National WWII Museum in New Orleans, the museum will will present the war through exhibits to honor the troops who perished in the fight, they were listed as missing in action or were prisoners of war; the veterans who returned; and the sacrifices of their families in the fight to preserve freedom.
The Defense Department will pay tribute to all who served the nation during World War II and to the Allied countries whose service members fought side-by-side with America’s forces
The Auschwitz museum in Poland will lay flowers to remember the millions of jewish murdered. Explore the memorial and exhibits!
EXHIBIT: A special exhibition relating World War II through photos will highlight the role of the CIS (former Soviet Union) in the defeat of fascism. Explore the Russian state library upcoming International events.
STATEMENTS: On the 81st anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War, Mr. Vladimir Putin sent greetings to the leaders of Azerbaijan, Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Abkhazia, South Ossetia, as well as to the peoples of Georgia and Moldova. Read the Greetings from the President of Russia to leaders and citizens of foreign states on the 81st anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War!
PUBLICATIONS: Get and Read the Recommended books.
Victory Parade on Red Square - The President of Russia - Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation will attend the Military parade to mark the 81st anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War of 1941-1945. on May 9, 2026 - 10:50 AM - Moscow time, at the Red Square.
PODCASTS : The history of World War II and the service of the Armed Forces during the war. Listen to the audio-podcasts!
Campaign Materials: Honoring and paying tribute to the million of individuals we lost during the War. Get the campaign materials!
WHAT WE CELEBRATE THE DAY?
The Second World War (which is known as the Great Patriotic War in Russia) was the bloodiest war Russia has ever suffered. More than 27 million people perished; there's hardly a family who did not lose a friend or a relative in the War. We observe the day to Remember that the Second World War brought untold sorrow to humankind, particularly in Europe, Asia, Africa, the Pacific and other parts of the world and to Reaffirm Commitment to Peace and to Strengthen the United Nations.
ACTIONS
Remember survivors and victims.
Organize Candlelight and wreath laying ceremonies to remember them
Underline the progress made since the end of the Second World War in overcoming its legacy.
Promote reconciliation, international and regional cooperation and democratic values, human rights and fundamental freedoms.
Sign the petititions to stop the sacrifices especially of human lives, but also of all kinds
PARTNERSHIPS
The Time of Remembrance and Reconciliation for Those Who Lost Their Lives during the Second World War is hosted by the United Nations Member States; The U.N. Specialized Agencies; the U.N. Security Council; The U.N. General Assembly; The U.N. Trusteeship Council; WWII Museum; The Australian War Museum; Japanese War Museum; Canadian War Museum; The Russian War Museum, The Imperial War Museum;The U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum; The SOAH Memorial…