May 9 - Victory Day in Ukraine, a national holiday which remembers the defeat of Nazi Germany in World War II and honors 20 million Soviets who died in the war. 

The fighting of WWII th Europe ended on May 2nd, 1945. The surrender of German troops was signed on May 4th and 5th but officially the war ended at midnight on May 8th 1945. To remember this important event, the Ukrainians created a national holiday called Victory Day which is celebrated on May 9th in Ukraine.

When Nazi Germany attacked Ukraine and the Soviet Union, the Soviet Union army pushed the Germans all the way back to Berlin which helped to defeat Hitler's forces.

The main reason for the celebration of Victory Day was to remember the people who died in the war. On that day, flowers are laid on their graves and veterans that are still alive go out on the streets wearing their medals and orders. There are few of them left now days and the number is getting smaller every year.

To celebrate Victory Day the President of Ukraine Victor Yushchenko sends congratulating  to all the veterans. There are parades, feasts, presents and flowers to give thanks to the people who fought for the defense of  Ukraine. In all the cities there are meetings in which a leader or the mayor of the city gives speeches about the achievement of people in the war and the veterans tell about their adventures in the war.