Photo stretch on May 8, 1945 –Cheers and USA flags: Switzerland celebrated on the day of the end of the war
All over the country, people flocked to the streets, they danced and sang. Photos of the impressive and touching scenes.
Published today at 6:10 a.m.
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After almost six years of war with over 60 million deaths occurred on May 8, 1945 The unconditional surrender of Germany in force. The day of the official end of the war was celebrated worldwide – also in Switzerland. From St. Gallen to Geneva and from Basel to Chiass0, thousands of people flocked on the streets.
The United States is held up as a liberator in Europe: joy dances in Lausanne, where people commit the wonderful day. The Federal Council and Churches had called for a quiet celebration, especially in French -speaking Swiss the population.
Photo: Walter Scheiwiller (Keystone, 8. Never 1945)
It was a beautiful spring day, in Zurich people moved outdoors. Whether on the Münsterbrücke (in the picture), at Bellevue or at Bahnhofplatz – on May 8, 1945, celebrations were celebrated.
Photo: Keystone
In Bern, people flocked to the Münster to celebrate the end of the war together in Europe.
Photo: Keystone
It is officially silent. On a poster in Zurich, donations are called for in favor of those suffering from the wars.
Photo: Keystone
The historical day also wants to be read in Switzerland in black and white: “End of the war in Europe”, the “Tages-Anzeiger” titled on May 8, 1945. In the picture, a newspaper seller at Zurich Central Station.
Photo: Keystone
In costumes and with music, children at Zurich Stadthausquai encourage the “Swiss donation”.
Photo: Keystone
-With a view of the letters (here in Bern), one wanted to make sure that this was really true what you had heard everywhere.
Foto: Walter Studer (Keystone)
“V” for victory (victory): The cheering of these people in Lausanne applies to the British and the Americans.
Foto: Walter Scheiwiller (Keystone)
The country’s churches were of central importance on May 8, 1945, they let the bells ring in the evening (as here in a village in the Mittelland) …
Photo: Keystone
… and invited to peace services (as here in Fraumünster in Zurich).
Photo: Keystone
Occasionally, people put their anger against aggressor Germany on the day of the end of the war. The German transport office was damaged on Zurich’s Bahnhofstrasse, whereupon the restaurant was closed and the lettering “Germany” was overwhelmed with black cloths.
Photo: Keystone
However, there is the predominant joy in memory.
Photo: Keystone
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