Europe marks 75th anniversary of Victory Day under coronavirus lockdown

AKIPRESS.COM - Leaders across Europe are marking the 75th anniversary of VE Day, as much of the continent remains under lockdown due to coronavirus. A two-minute silence to honour the war dead will be held in the UK, followed by an address from the Queen.
Closed ceremonies are also being held by the leaders of France and Germany, Emmanuel Macron and Angela Merkel.
Other events are also being held to mark the defeat of Nazi Germany, but large gatherings remain forbidden.
On 8 May 1945 Britain and its Allies formally accepted Nazi Germany's unconditional surrender after almost six years of war.
But that date was not the end of World War Two, as imperial Japan was not defeated by the Allies until August 1945.
President Macron will lay a wreath at the tomb of the unknown soldier in Paris - the ceremony closed to all but a small group of officials.
Chancellor Merkel will also lead a ceremony at Germany's central War Memorial. In Berlin, residents have been given an unprecedented public holiday, although this is not in place across the rest of the country.
VE Day - or 'Victory in Europe Day' - marks the day towards the end of World War Two (WW2) when fighting against Nazi Germany in Europe came to an end.