Countries across the world will be celebrating the 80th anniversary of Nazi Germany’s unconditional surrender in World War II. But this year’s events may be more bittersweet than in the past.

President Donald Trump has issued a proclamation designating Thursday as a day for the United States to celebrate victory in World War II as countries in Europe already do. Cities from London to Moscow are holding parades,

Thursday marks 80 years since Victory in Europe Day, when the Allies accepted Nazi Germany's unconditional surrender. The day will be marked with memorials and moments of silence across Europe.

Even if the end of World War II in Europe spawned one of the most joyous days the continent ever lived, Thursday’s 80th anniversary of V-E Day is haunted as much by the specter of current-day conflict as it celebrates the defeat of ultimate evil.