VE Day Celebrations: Historical Photos of New Yorkers at the End of World War II

The news crackled over radios, blared from loudspeakers, and spread like wildfire through the streets: Germany had surrendered. World War II, the conflict that had cast a long and ominous shadow over the globe, was finally over in Europe. It was May 8th, 1945 – Victory in Europe Day, or V-E Day. And in New York City, the heart of America, the celebrations were nothing short of explosive.

For years, New Yorkers had lived with the war’s constant presence. Rationing, air raid drills, and the ever-present fear of loved ones overseas had become a way of life. News of the war’s end in Europe lifted a tremendous weight from their shoulders. The city, known for its resilience and grit, was ready to let loose and celebrate.

A Spontaneous Outpouring of Joy

As the news spread, people poured out of their homes and offices, flooding the streets in a spontaneous wave of jubilation. Strangers embraced, tears streamed down faces, and the air filled with cheers, laughter, and the sounds of car horns honking in unison. The city that never sleeps had truly come alive.

Times Square: The Epicenter of Celebration

Times Square, the “Crossroads of the World,” became the epicenter of the V-E Day revelry. Thousands upon thousands of people crammed into the square, creating a sea of humanity that stretched as far as the eye could see. Confetti rained down from office windows, tickertape parades filled the air, and the iconic billboards and neon signs blazed with celebratory messages.

Sailors, soldiers, and civilians alike danced in the streets, their joy transcending any social barriers. The atmosphere was electric, a mix of relief, gratitude, and unbridled excitement. The war was over, and the future seemed bright.

The celebrations weren’t confined to Times Square. Every corner of the city was alive with the spirit of V-E Day. Neighborhoods held block parties, churches held special services, and bars overflowed with patrons toasting to victory.

In Central Park, families picnicked on the lawns, couples strolled hand-in-hand, and children played games, their laughter echoing through the trees. The Brooklyn Navy Yard, once a bustling hub of wartime activity, erupted in cheers as sailors celebrated their return to civilian life.

A Moment of Unity

The war had forged a sense of shared purpose and sacrifice, and V-E Day allowed New Yorkers to express their gratitude and relief. The celebrations were a testament to the city’s resilience and its unwavering belief in the American spirit.

As the celebrations continued late into the night, there was a sense of hope and optimism in the air. The war in Europe was over, and while the conflict in the Pacific raged on, the end seemed to be in sight. New Yorkers looked to the future with a renewed sense of purpose, ready to rebuild and embrace the possibilities that lay ahead.

#1 Celebrations begin in New York on the announcement of Germany’s surrender at the end of World War II, 1945.

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#2 Women carry flags down a street to celebrate V-E Day, 1945.

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#3 Crowds in New York celebrate the end of World War II in Europe on V-E Day, 1945.

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#4 V-E Day celebration in Times Square, New York City, 1945.

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#5 Women are kissed by US military men in Times Square while watched by a celebrating crowd on V-E Day, 1945.

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#6 A crowd gathers to celebrate Victory in Europe outside a branch of Liggett’s drug store, 1945.

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#7 An elated trio fall to the ground on V-E Day, 1945.

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#8 Ticker tape covers the ground on V-E Day in New York, 1945.

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#9 People toss ticker tape in the air during a V-E Day celebration in New York, 1945.

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#10 A crowd scene during a V-E Day celebration in New York, 1945.

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#11 A woman is carried down a New York street on V-E Day, 1945.

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#12 Jubilant crowds in Times Square celebrate Victory in Europe Day, 1945.

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#13 Workers on Wall Street celebrate the reported end of the war in Europe, 1945.

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#14 A sailor kisses a woman on the streets of New York City in celebration of V-E Day, the day of the German surrender to the Allied forces in World War II, 1945.

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#15 The corner of Wall Street and Nassau Street in New York City during the VE Day celebrations, 1945.

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#16 A street sweeper cleans up after the V-E Day celebration in New York City.

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#17 A V-E Day celebration near Times Square in New York City.

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#18 A V-E Day celebration on 39th Street and 7th Avenue in New York City.

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#19 Citizens celebrate V-E Day in the streets of New York City.

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#20 A woman is being carried on a man’s shoulders to celebrate V-E Day in New York City in Times Square, 1945.

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#21 A couple dances during the V-E Day celebrations in New York City, 1945.

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#22 World War II Victory Day showing celebration with newspaper headline “Nazis Quit”, 1940s.

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#23 Wall Street celebrates the premature announcement from Associated Press that the war in Europe had ended, 1945.

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#24 Citizens celebrate V-E Day in the streets of New York City, 1945.

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#25 Street sweepers clean up after the V-E Day celebration in New York City, 1945.

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#26 A V-E Day crowd in the Wall Street area of New York City, 1945.

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#27 A V-E Day celebration crowd in Times Square, New York City, 1945.

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#28 A man on a street sign post with a party favor during a V-E Day celebration in Times Square, 1945.

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#29 An enormous crowd in Times Square, New York, during the VE Day (Victory in Europe) celebration at the end of World War II, 1945.

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#30 Soldiers and sailors of the US military during the Victory in Europe celebrations, at the end of the Second World War, in Times Square, Midtown Manhattan, New York City, 1945.

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#31 Revellers gather around the statue of George Washington, on the steps of the Federal Hall, on Wall Street, during the Victory in Europe celebrations, at the end of the Second World War, in Lower Manhattan, New York City, 1945.

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#32 A high-angle view of crowds celebrating Victory in Europe Day, at the end of the Second World War, with a statue of Liberty in the foreground, in Times Square, Midtown Manhattan, 1945.

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#33 Revellers form a conga line during the Victory in Europe celebrations, at the end of the Second World War, in the Sutton Place neighbourhood on Manhattan’s East Side, 1945.

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#34 A uniformed military officer, his eyes closed as he is showered with confetti among women during the Victory in Europe celebrations, at the end of the Second World War, 1945.

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#35 Two women rest on the ground during the VE-Day celebrations, 1945.

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#36 Cars parked in front of the Saks store displaying a set of posters celebrating VE-Day in New York City, 1945.

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#37 An erroneous Associated Press announcement has New Yorkers celebrating VE-Day and dancing on Wall Street, New York, 1945.

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#38 Crowds show their jubilation and relief on V-E Day in New York, 1945.

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#39 Servicemen, with a woman on either arm, make their way towards Times Square for V-E Day celebrations in New York, 1945.

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#40 Emotions run high on V-E Day in New York, 1945.

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#41 Crowds show their jubilation and relief on V-E Day in New York, 1945.

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#42 A sailor dances with a laughing woman in Times Square as a brass band plays on the hood of a car in celebration of VE Day, 1945.

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#43 A nighttime portrait of a group of people, including a man in uniform who plays a drum held by a second man in a pinstripe jacket, who celebrate VE Day, 1945.

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#44 A uniformed sailor and two women celebrate VE Day, 1945.

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#45 A group of men, including a man playing the drums and a man wearing a military uniform playing the cymbals, celebrate the end of war in Europe, during VE Day, 1945.

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#46 New Yorkers shout their joy at hearing the report of Germany’s surrender, 1945.

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#47 A crowd of U.S. Navy sailors and WAVES celebrate the surrender of Germany on a New York street, 1945.

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#48 Cheering New York shipyard workers celebrate the news of the Armistice that brought the war to an end, 1918.

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#49 Mae Cusask sits in a pile of papers while enjoying the celebration of V-E Day, 1945.

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#50 A VE Day Celebration site in New York City, 1945.

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#51 Members of the armed services stage an impromptu parade in front of City Defense Recreation Committee headquarters during a V-E Day celebration, 1945.

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#52 Crowds surround a replica of the Statue of Liberty celebrating V-E Day in Times Square, 1945.

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#53 A police officer waves his cap from atop a street lamp pole at West 44th Street and Broadway as he celebrates V-E Day in New York, 1945.

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#54 A V-E Day celebration in Times Square, New York City, 1945.

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#55 A crowd celebrating V-E Day in Times Square, New York City, 1945.

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#56 Soldiers enjoy themselves during a VE-Day celebration, 1945.

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#57 New Yorkers celebrate VE Day, 1945.

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#58 A victory celebration for VE-Day near Times Square in New York City, 1945.

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#59 Daily News front page May 8, 1945, Headline: 500,000 IN TIMES SQUARE – ‘Thanks Be to God…’ Not everyone who heard the news of Germany’s surrender yesterday headed for riotous celebrations. Many fell on their knees and thanked the Almighty. These women kneel in front of the Church of St. Catherine of Siena, 411 E. 68th St, 1945.

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#60 Workers on Wall Street celebrate Victory in Europe Day, 1946.

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#61 New York City celebrating V-E Day at the end of World War Two in Europe, 1945.

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#62 Thousands celebrate the unofficial word of Germany’s unconditional surrender in Times Square, New York City, 1945.

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#63 New Yorkers exultant after hearing of Germany’s unconditional surrender, 1945.

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#64 Crowds in New York City’s financial district celebrate victory in Europe, 1945.

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#65 New York City celebrating V-E Day at the end of World War Two in Europe, 1945.

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#66 A wounded U.S. serviceman watches New York City celebrate Germany’s unconditional surrender, 1945.

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