It’s VE Day or Victory in Europe Day. Eighty years ago, Germany unconditionally surrendered. Celebrations broke out in many countries as the most devastating war the world had ever seen was coming to an end, at least in Europe. Today, ways to mark this event couldn’t be more different in Britain, where I live, and Germany, where I’m from.
All around me, in the rural East of England, villages will be hosting tea parties with Union Flag bunting and music. There will be Victory Cake, I’m told. Meanwhile, in Berlin, the German President will deliver a solemn speech, reminding everyone of the ‘boundless horrors German fascists unleashed during the Second World War.’ I feel stuck between cake and commemoration.