Europe marks 80th anniversary of end of WWII

Europe celebrated the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II this week, with parades and wreath-laying ceremonies unfolding across the continent. The defeat of fascism and Nazism in 1945 is celebrated on Victory in Europe, or VE Day, and throughout the week, European leaders underscored the enduring value of peace and unity.

In Germany, President Frank-Walter Steinmeier told parliament, "We are all children of the 8th of May" during a solemn Bundestag address.

Observances were held in towns and villages across France, and in Paris, President Emmanuel Macron led a televised tribute honoring the war dead, with some of the last surviving veterans in attendance.