Canadians Mark Victory in Europe Day in Downtown Ceremonies

Second World War veteran Roland Lalonde (C) salutes after placing a wreath with fellow Second World War veteran Roy Martel during a ceremony marking the 80th anniversary of the Liberation of the Netherlands and Victory in Europe Day at the National War Memorial in Ottawa on May 8, 2025. The Canadian Press/Spencer Colby

Veterans, diplomats, members of the Armed Forces and political leaders gathered Thursday at events across Canada commemorating the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War in Europe.

“Nearly every family knows somebody who suffered from the effect of war,” said Fraser McKee, a 100-year-old veteran who helped to lay a wreath at the Toronto ceremony.