V-E Day
May 8
May 8 marks the anniversary Victory in Europe Day, or V-E Day. In 1945, the Nazis officially surrendered on May 8, bringing an end to WWII. 70 million people fought in WWII. The Soviet Union lost 7.5 million soldiers, the most of any country involved in the war. Other major players in the Allied powers saw massive casualties as well. The U.S. lost 400,000, Great Britain lost 330,000, and China lost 2.2 million. Among the Axis powers, the German army saw 3.5 million casualties, Italy lost 77,000 and Japan lost 1.2 million. Although the loss of human life was overwhelming, the Allied nations celebrated, including throngs of people in Times Square where two total strangers met and the Life Magazine’s iconic photo was taken.
Iris Day
May 8
According to the Calyx Flowers website, the name, Iris, comes from the Greek word for the goddess of the rainbow, possibly referring to the diverse range of colors of irises. The iris flower has been revered all over the world. In Japan, for example, irises are admired as a symbol of purity, cleansing and protection from any evil energies. The delicate petals move elegantly in the wind, so much so, that one Chinese word for iris translates to “the purple butterfly.”
Today’s Birthdays of Note….
Harry S. Truman – 33rd President of U.S. – born in Lamar, Missouri
Enrique Iglesias – Singer – born in Madrid, Spain
