President Donald Trump revealed on Thursday his intention to declare May 8 as World War II “Victory Day” in the United States, aligning with Europe’s “Victory in Europe Day” celebrated since 1945 post the Germans’ surrender.

In a Truth Social post, Trump acknowledged that many allies and friends already commemorate May 8, emphasizing America’s significant contribution to the war’s triumphant outcome.

On May 7, 1945, the Germans surrendered to the Allied Forces, and agreed to cease all operations the next day. 

Although World War II formally concluded on September 2 with Japan signing the instrument of surrender, it is notable that Japan raised a white flag on August 14, following the United States’ atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki.

The US does not have any public holidays commemorating World War II specifically, but there have been remembrance ceremonies in May, August and September across the country for decades

Former President Harry Truman, who was in office during the end of WWII, issued a proclamation in August 1946 declaring Aug. 14 as “Victory Over Japan Day.”

“And I call upon the people of the United States to observe Victory Day as a day of solemn commemoration of the devotion of the men and women by whose sacrifices victory was achieved, and as a day of prayer and of high resolve that the cause of justice, freedom, peace, and international good-will shall be advanced with undiminished and unremitting efforts, inspired by the valor of our heroes of the Armed Services,” Truman’s proclamation read, in part.

In the same post, Trump stated that Nov. 11 will also be recognized as World War I “Victory Day.”

“We won both Wars, nobody was close to us in terms of strength, bravery, or military brilliance, but we never celebrate anything,” the president wrote. “That’s because we don’t have leaders anymore, that know how to do so! We are going to start celebrating our victories again!”