On May 7, 1945, German leaders signed a paper in the city of Reims, France. The paper said Germany would stop fighting. World War II in Europe was finally over. But why Reims? The answer lies in geography. Reims sits in the Champagne region of northeastern France. This region is mostly flat, open land. Its location made it a natural crossroads for armies moving across Europe. During the war, the American general Dwight Eisenhower set up his headquarters in a schoolhouse in Reims. It was close to the front lines but still in friendly territory. When Germany was ready to give up, its leaders traveled to Reims. The ceremony took place in a small classroom. Representatives from the United States, Britain, France, and the Soviet Union all attended. The surrender was signed at 2:41 in the morning. The next day, May 8, became known as Victory in Europe Day, or V-E Day. People across Europe and America celebrated in the streets. Reims, a city already famous for its towering cathedral, now held a new place in history.