Churchill waves to crowds celebrating Victory in Europe, May 8, 1945. Wikipedia photo.

Today marks the 75 anniversary of Victory in Europe Day, commonly known as V-E Day.

The instrument of surrender was signed in Berlin by Field Marshal Wilhelm Keitel at 21:20 local time on May 8. The event coincided with President Truman’s 61st birthday, and was less than a month after the death of FDR. U.S. flags remained at half-staff for the remainder of the mourning period.

Truman broadcast that it was a victory only half won, since the battle against Japan still raged on.