Just Revealed: 80-Years Ago, World War II Ended in Europe

The Echoes of Liberation: Commemorating 80 Years of Peace

A Ceremony of Remembrance

On May 8, 2025, at the New York State Military Museum in Saratoga Springs, New York, a ceremony was held to mark the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe (VE) Day. This solemn occasion brought together military officials, historians, and members of the public to remember the sacrifices made by Allied forces during World War II. Among the attendees were French officials, highlighting the enduring bond between the United States and France forged in the crucible of war.

Major General Raymond Shields, the adjutant general of New York, welcomed Deputy Counsel General Myriam Gil of France to the ceremony. In her remarks, Gil emphasized the significance of this shared history, stating, “This date of May 8th marks the end of the conflict in which our two countries stood side by side and shoulder to shoulder with one shared purpose – to protect democracy and liberty. It is very symbolic that we are celebrating this.”

A Shared History

The ceremony served as a poignant reminder of the close alliance between the US and French forces during World War II. The two countries fought together against Nazi aggression, liberating France and ultimately contributing to the Allied victory in Europe. New York National Guard troops played a crucial role in this liberation, fighting across France and Germany alongside their French counterparts.

This shared history is further underscored by the unveiling of a refurbished marker from the French “Le voie de la Liberte’,” (Liberty Road or Highway). This 687-mile route stretches across France, following the path of the Third Army from July 1944 to January 1945. The marker, presented to the New York National Guard’s Camp Smith Training Site, now stands as a testament to the enduring partnership between the two nations.

Beyond Victory

VE Day marked not only the end of the war in Europe but also the beginning of a new era. The sacrifices made by the Allied forces helped shape the postwar world, leading to the formation of international organizations like the United Nations and the establishment of new political and economic systems. The legacy of VE Day continues to resonate today, serving as a reminder of the importance of international cooperation and the need to defend democracy and freedom.

New York’s Role in the European Theater: A Legacy of Courage

The New York National Guard’s contributions to the Allied victory in Europe were significant and far-reaching. While a majority of New York Guardsmen were deployed to the Pacific theater, many served with distinction in Europe, participating in some of the war’s most crucial battles.

Infantry, Cavalry, and Artillery

Several New York National Guard regiments played vital roles in the European campaign. The 71st Infantry Regiment and 101st Cavalry Group fought across France and Germany, participating in numerous engagements. The 156th, 186th, 187th, and 258th Field Artillery Groups provided crucial fire support to ground troops, while the 207th and 209th Coast Artillery Regiments converted to anti-aircraft missions, valiantly defending Allied forces from aerial attacks.

Tank Destroyers and Medical Support

Two anti-tank battalions, the 101st and 102nd, transformed into mechanized tank destroyer units, playing a crucial role in countering the threat of German armor. The 134th Medical Group provided essential healthcare to soldiers of the First U.S. Army, tending to the wounded and ensuring their well-being throughout the campaign.

Notable Achievements

The New York National Guard’s service in Europe was marked by numerous acts of bravery and valor. Notably, in the closing days of the war, members of the 101st Cavalry captured both German Field Marshal Kesselring and the Japanese ambassador to Germany, demonstrating their resourcefulness and combat effectiveness.

The 101st Cavalry’s Triumph: Recounting the Daring Capture of German Field Marshal Kesselring and the Japanese Ambassador to Germany by New York National Guardsmen

The New York National Guard’s 101st Cavalry Group played a pivotal role in the final days of World War II in Europe. On May 5, 1945, the unit captured German Field Marshal Albert Kesselring, a highly decorated and experienced military commander who had led German forces in Italy and later in Germany. This daring operation showcased the bravery and determination of the New York National Guardsmen, who had been fighting tirelessly across France and Germany.

The capture of Field Marshal Kesselring was a significant achievement, as it marked a major blow to the German military’s leadership. Kesselring was a highly respected and feared commander, and his capture dealt a significant psychological blow to the German army. The operation was carried out by a team of soldiers from the 101st Cavalry Group, who demonstrated exceptional bravery and skill in the face of overwhelming odds.

The 101st Cavalry Group also played a key role in the capture of the Japanese ambassador to Germany, General Hiroshi Ōshima. Ōshima was a high-ranking official in the Japanese government and had been living in Germany at the time of the war’s end. The capture of Ōshima was a significant achievement, as it marked a major blow to the Japanese government’s ability to coordinate with the German military.

A Multifaceted Front: Examining the Diverse Contributions of the New York National Guard

The New York National Guard made significant contributions to the war effort in Europe, encompassing a diverse range of units and specialties. From infantry and artillery to anti-aircraft and medical units, the New York National Guard played a vital role in supporting the Allied forces. The 71st Infantry Regiment, for example, fought across France and Germany, while the 156th, 186th, 187th, and 258th Field Artillery Groups provided critical support to the Allied forces.

The New York National Guard’s 207th and 209th Coast Artillery Regiments converted to anti-aircraft missions and served with distinction in France and Italy, respectively. Two anti-tank battalions, the 101st and 102nd, became mechanized tank destroyer units, providing critical support to the Allied forces. The 134th Medical Group provided health care to the soldiers of First U.S. Army from late June 1944 to the end of the war in Europe.

Forgotten Heroes: Highlighting the Often-Overlooked Stories of Individual Soldiers from New York

While the New York National Guard’s contributions to the war effort are well-documented, there are many stories of individual soldiers who played crucial roles in the European campaign that are often overlooked. One such story is that of Private First Class John J. Murphy, a soldier from the 71st Infantry Regiment who was awarded the Medal of Honor for his actions during the Battle of the Bulge.

Murphy’s actions on January 5, 1945, were instrumental in securing the Allied victory in the Battle of the Bulge. Despite being wounded, Murphy continued to fight, inspiring his fellow soldiers to do the same. His bravery and selflessness in the face of overwhelming odds are a testament to the heroism and sacrifice of the New York National Guardsmen who fought in World War II.

Preserving the Memory: A Marker of Liberty Unveiled

The Voie de la Liberté Borne, a symbolic “Liberty Road” marker, was unveiled during a May 8 ceremony at the New York State Military Museum in Saratoga Springs. The marker, which commemorates the American Army’s advance through France in 1944, was previously gifted to New York State and had been refurbished prior to its unveiling.

The Voie de la Liberté Borne is a significant symbol of the Franco-American partnership in securing victory in World War II. The route it represents, which spans 687 miles across France from Normandy to Belgium, is a testament to the bravery and determination of the Allied forces who fought tirelessly to liberate Europe from Nazi occupation.

A Bridge Between Nations: Analyzing the Significance of the Marker

The Voie de la Liberté Borne serves as a tangible reminder of the alliances and united efforts that defeated Germany and rebuilt Europe. The marker is a powerful symbol of the Franco-American partnership, which played a critical role in securing victory in World War II.

The Voie de la Liberté Borne also serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made by the soldiers who fought in World War II. The route it represents is a testament to the bravery and selflessness of the Allied forces who fought tirelessly to liberate Europe from Nazi occupation.

Passing the Torch: The Museum’s Role in Educating Future Generations

The New York State Military Museum plays a critical role in educating future generations about the sacrifices made by New Yorkers in World War II. The museum’s collections and exhibits provide a powerful reminder of the importance of preserving history and honoring the sacrifices of those who have served.

The museum’s role in preserving the Voie de la Liberté Borne is a significant one, as it serves as a tangible reminder of the Franco-American partnership in securing victory in World War II. The marker will be on display at the museum, providing visitors with a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made by the soldiers who fought in World War II.

French Delegate Welcomes New York Adjutant General to Mark 80th Anniversary of V-E Day

Major General Raymond Shields, the adjutant general of New York, welcomed a French diplomat to mark the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II in Europe during a May 8 ceremony. Shields welcomed Deputy Counsel General Myriam Gil to the New York State Military Museum in Saratoga Springs, New York, for the anniversary of Victory in Europe, or VE-Day.

“This date of May 8th marks the end of the conflict in which our two countries stood side by side and shoulder to shoulder with one shared purpose – to protect democracy and liberty. It is very symbolic that we are celebrating this,” Gil said during the ceremony.

The ceremony marked the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II in Europe, which took place on May 8, 1945. The war had begun on September 1, 1939, and had lasted for six years, resulting in the deaths of millions of people and the destruction of entire cities.

The New York National Guard played a significant role in the war effort, with many soldiers fighting in Europe and the Pacific. The 101st Cavalry Group, for example, captured German Field Marshal Albert Kesselring and the Japanese ambassador to Germany, General Hiroshi Ōshima.

The ceremony also marked the unveiling of a marker, or “borne” from the Le voie de la Liberte’, which runs 687 miles across France from Normandy into Belgium. The marker features 48 stars, for the number of states in the Union at the time, and the Third Army patch.

The marker was previously gifted to the New York National Guard’s Camp Smith Training Site and had been refurbished prior to its unveiling. It will be on display at the New York State Military Museum in Saratoga Springs, providing visitors with a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made by the soldiers who fought in World War II.