VE DAY

Today is May 8, 2016.  In the United States we are celebrating Mothers Day.  In some other parts of the world the people are celebrating VE (Victory in Europe) Day.  It was on May 8, 1945, that the Allies formally accepted the surrender of Nazi Germany, ending World War II in Europe.

One year ago today I was in Paris.  All the streets around the Champs-Élysées were closed and watched by heavily armed security forces while President Hollande proceeded down the Champs-Élysées to place a wreath on the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at the Arc de Triomphe.  I was in the crowd standing on the sidewalk to see the president go past.  Here is a photo:

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

And this is the wreath he left:

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

I see that this year the Champs-Élysées was closed to motor vehicles and became a pedestrian zone for VE Day.  This is a picture I found on the internet (Japan Times, of all places) showing the celebration of what is supposed to now be a monthly no-car day:

Paris Pedestrians

It looks like a good time.

Speaking of good times, here is another picture I found on the internet.  I’m not certain, but I think this may be some Donald Trump supporters celebrating his recent primary victories:

Ferris wheel Canon  City