US President Donald Trump says he wants to rename two key dates in World History — 11 November and 8 May — as “Victory Days.”
Trump stated on his social media platform, Truth Social, that 8 May will be renamed to commemorate the Allies' victory in World War II, and 11 November will mark the victory in World War I.
Nazi Germany signed its surrender on 8 May 1945, a date known as ‘Victory in Europe Day’ or ‘VE Day’ and celebrated by many Western European countries, although it is marked on 9 May in some Eastern European countries and Russia.
While 8 May is not an official holiday in the United States, 11 November is recognised as Veterans Day, honouring military veterans.
Trump remarked that many allies celebrate 8 May as Victory Day, emphasising America’s significant contributions to winning World War II.
"We won both Wars, nobody was close to us in terms of strength, bravery, or military brilliance, but we never celebrate anything — That’s because we don’t have leaders anymore, that know how to do so!" he wrote on Truth Social.
However, this statement was not immediately followed by a formal decree.
In Belgium, 8 May was an official holiday until in 1974, when it was removed as a cost-saving measure during the oil crisis, although the question of its reinstatement is raised annually.
Armistice Day, observed on 11 November, continues to be celebrated in Belgium.
