Time of Remembrance and Reconciliation for Those Who Lost Their Lives During the Second World War is a holiday with quite a long name, but it also succinctly captures its purpose. This holiday is observed annually on May 8th and May 9th.

As the lengthy name of this holiday suggests, it is a day to honor the victims of WWII. The holiday commences on the anniversary of the date when WWII Allies accepted the unconditional surrender of the armed forces of Nazi Germany. In most countries, this day is observed but is not celebrated as a public holiday.

The History of Time of Remembrance and Reconciliation for Those Who Lost Their Lives During the Second World War

The United Nations General Assembly established this holiday on November 22, 2004. It has been commemorated ever since to pay respect to the victims of the Second World War.

Facts About World War II

Below are some facts we have learned about WWII throughout our research. We hope our readers find them as enlightening as we have.

• WWII began on September 1, 1939.
• WWII ended on September 2, 1945.
• Australia lost 23,365 people during the war.
• Canada lost 37,476 people during the war.

Observing Time of Remembrance and Reconciliation for Those Who Lost Their Lives During the Second World War

On this day, people are encouraged to learn more about WWII and all the individuals who perished during this conflict. During the war, approximately 55 million civilians were killed; the Soviet Union lost 7.4 million soldiers, and the United States lost over 405,000 soldiers.

Great Britain suffered the loss of 330,000 soldiers, and China lost 2.2 million individuals. And that’s only accounting for the casualties on the Allied side. For the Axis powers, Germany lost 3.5 million soldiers, Japan lost 1.2 million, and Italy lost 77,000.