Time of Remembrance and Reconciliation for Those Who Lost Their Lives during the Second World War

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World War II lasted from 1939 to 1945 and it involved most of the world's nations which were organised into two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis. Allies included British Empire, the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics, the United States of America and other countries. Axis included Germany, Japan and Italy. The War was the deadliest conflict in human history and resulted in over seventy million casualties. Though the War ended with the victory of the Allies in 1945 but it had it's consequences in the form of disease, starvation, massacres, bombing and deliberate genocide. To remember all those who died in this War, the 'Time of Remembrance and Reconciliation for Those Who Lost Their Lives during the Second World War' (May 8th and May 9th) was established as an annual international day to be observed world wide, especially those countries which were affected the most.

History

The UN General Assembly noted in November 2004 that 2005 marked the 60th anniversary of the end of World War II. The assembly held a special meeting to mark the sixtieth anniversary of the end of World War II during the second week of May in 2005. The meeting gave participants a chance to commemorate the sacrifices that people made during the war. By its resolution A/RES/59/26 of 22 November 2004, the General Assembly declared 8th and 9th May as a time of remembrance and reconciliation, and invited Member States, United Nations bodies, non-governmental organizations and individuals to observe annually either one or both of those days in an appropriate manner, to pay tribute to all those who lost their lives in the Second World War. May 8th was the date when the World War II Allies accepted the unconditional surrender of the armed forces of Nazi Germany and the end of Adolf Hitler's Third Reich.

Events

• The two-day observance gives people, non-government organizations, and governments the chance to remember people who died during World War II. Articles about remembering World War II victims are published in magazines, newspaper, or online during this time of the year.

• Some organizations, including embassies, may have special wreath laying ceremonies at cemeteries or memorials to remember World War II soldiers who died fighting for their country, as well as Holocaust victims and those who died in concentration camps.

Holiday Status - It is not a Holiday.