Imagine hearing church bells ringing, car horns honking, and strangers hugging in the street all at the same time. That is what happened on May 8, 1945. World War II in Europe was over. This day became known as V-E Day, short for Victory in Europe Day. The war had lasted nearly six years. Millions of soldiers and civilians had been killed. Countries across Europe lay in ruins. When the news of Germany's surrender spread, the celebrations were enormous. In London, huge crowds gathered outside Buckingham Palace. King George VI and Queen Elizabeth waved from the balcony. In New York's Times Square, two million people packed the streets. Ticker tape rained from office windows. In Paris, people danced along the Champs-Elysees. Soldiers and strangers embraced one another. Not everyone celebrated. The war in the Pacific against Japan continued for several more months. Soldiers stationed in Asia knew they still faced dangerous fighting ahead. Many families who had lost loved ones felt relief but also deep sadness. President Harry Truman reminded Americans that the job was not yet complete. Still, V-E Day was a turning point. It meant that the fighting in Europe, which had caused tremendous suffering, was finally over.