France marks 81st Victory in Europe Day

France on Friday commemorated the 81st anniversary of the victory of the World War II (WWII) under the Arch of Triumph in Paris, with President Emmanuel Macron reaffirming the imperative of remembrance and peace.

On May 8, 1945, Germany signed the surrender document in Karlshorst, Berlin, marking the end of the war in Europe. Each year, the Victory in Europe (VE) Day is observed with parades and wreath-laying ceremonies across the continent to honor the defeat of fascism and Nazism.

At the Friday ceremony, escorted by the Republican Guard, the French president arrived at the Place de l'Étoile late in the morning to pay tribute.

After reviewing the troops, including military school students, Macron laid a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, and rekindled the eternal flame, a symbol of the memory of the liberation fighters.

Eight decades after the end of WWII in Europe, the ceremony stood as a solemn tribute to the combatants and victims, underscoring the enduring duty of remembrance and the pursuit of peace. Participants emphasized the importance of passing this history on to younger generations.

"It is important to commemorate the victory of May 8, 1945. The word 'victory' is important. This is not an armistice like November 11, since it is ultimately the celebration of the German surrender of Nazi Germany and the Allied victory at the end of WWII. It is important to remember so that we do not forget those who fell for France and who fought for the values of liberty," said Mathieu, a battalion chief in the French Army.

Alain Decklerck, administrator of the Association of the House of Veterans of the second Armored Division Leclerc, wished to take advantage of this highly symbolic and moving moment to convey a message to the younger generation.

"Today, it is difficult for the latest generations to understand how one could commit and suffer, in the same way, to defend the homeland. So, for me, the message to pass on to the youngest is education, knowledge of history, since we have not been at war in France for more than 80 years," he said.

Christophe Renard, president of the Union of Veterans and Affiliates, recalled that this commemoration also allowed to remember all the countries that fought alongside the Allies for the victory of 1945.

"So the profound meaning is to recall these battles, to recall the memory of these veterans who fell for France, who fell to save France, without forgetting that there are, of course, other countries that also served to defend France. I like it when we hold commemorations talking about the Americans and all that. But we must not forget that the Americans were not the only ones who came to defend France. There are other countries that we do not talk about, that we do not highlight and that defended France. And that is very important," he said.

France marks 81st Victory in Europe Day

Nicaragua's co-foreign minister Valdrack Jaentschke has warned that militarism must never be allowed to rise again, as Japan's recent moves to lift its arms export ban and revise the pacifist Constitution continue to draw international concern.

This year marks the 80th anniversary of the opening of the Tokyo Trials, where Japan's Class-A war criminals from World War II were brought to justice.

In an interview with China Global Television Network (CGTN), Valdrack Jaentschke voiced his concern that today's world order is being undermined by interventionism and other challenges.

"It is necessary for us to remember that after the end of World War II, countries worked hard to build a new international order based on international law. However, regrettably, more than 80 years later, we are seeing that this once explored and attempted order is being challenged by interventionism, a confrontational mindset, and tendencies like 'might makes right.' These are precisely the conditions that gave rise to fascism and militarism in the past, which ultimately led to the tragedy of World War II," he said.

He said the international community has a responsibility to pursue a new international order -- one fundamentally grounded in peace.

"Looking back at the history more than eight decades ago and comparing it with today's reality, it is our responsibility to recognize that the world should, and must, build a new international order that is more just, fairer, rooted in international law, based on a logic of mutual benefit and shared success, and fundamentally grounded in peace," said the minister.

"Today, as we revisit the Tokyo Trials, it is meant to remind the world that such a tragedy must never be repeated -- and that we must do everything in our power to prevent it from happening again. We must stop that dark world -- born from militarism, interventionism, and fascism -- from ever returning," he said.

Nicaraguan FM warns of militarism revival