V-E Day

Honoring the 80th Anniversary of VE Day: A letter from Charles Coolidge

Today marks the 80th anniversary of VE Day—Victory in Europe Day—commemorating the formal surrender of Nazi Germany to the Allied forces on May 8, 1945. It was a day that signaled the end of World War II in Europe and sparked scenes of celebration and relief across the globe. In cities like London, Paris, and New York, crowds filled the streets, cheering, singing, and embracing one another with tears of joy and hard-earned hope.

VE Day is more than just a historical milestone. It’s a poignant reminder of the extraordinary courage, endurance, and sacrifice of those who fought to liberate a continent from tyranny. Millions of service members and civilians gave everything in the pursuit of peace. While the war continued in the Pacific, VE Day offered a glimpse of light after years of darkness.

To help us connect more personally with that moment in history, we’re sharing a powerful letter from TSGT Charles Coolidge, written just days after VE Day on May 11, 1945. Addressed to his then-girlfriend (who would later become his wife), this letter offers a heartfelt window into the thoughts of a soldier finally seeing the possibility of going home.

In the letter, Charles reflects on the improving conditions and shares uplifting news: he has been selected to receive the Medal of Honor. After more than two years of grueling combat across North Africa, Italy, France, Germany, and Austria, the idea of returning home was finally within reach. His words are calm but filled with emotion—a blend of pride, hope, and longing.

This personal moment, captured on paper, reminds us that behind every headline, victory parade, or historical photo were individuals—real people with families, dreams, and incredible resilience.

As we commemorate VE Day 80 years later, we honor not only the victory but also the voices of those who lived it.

More letters can be seen in the Letters section and the Scrapbook section.