VE Day (Victory in Europe Day) is the day on which Allied forces formally announced the surrender of Germany, which brought the Second World War to a close in Europe. The military surrender was first signed on May 7, but a slightly modified document with the final terms was signed on May 8 in Berlin. Celebrations immediately erupted throughout Britain and more than one million people celebrated in the streets. In London, King George VI and Queen Elizabeth appeared on the balcony alongside Prime Minister Winston Churchill. In a radio address to the nation, Churchill said: "My dear friends, this is your hour. We may allow ourselves a brief period of rejoicing." VE Day has since been celebrated annually in commemoration of the Armed Forces and navy personnel who lost their lives in battle.
