This Monday, May 8, is the 78th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day, or V-E Day, the day German troops throughout Europe finally laid down their arms unconditionally and surrendered their military forces to the Allies, including the United States. Celebrations erupted around the world on that same day in 1945 including, as reported by the New York Times, “wild crowds with unrestrained vigor” in New York City’s Times Square. 

Not more than three weeks before, BVA stalwart and member of the Greatest Generation Robert A. “Bob” Bottenberg was blinded by shrapnel from German mortar fire while serving as a squad leader with the 63rd Division of the 253rd Infantry Regiment, an event that shaped his own life and greatly impacted the history of the Blinded Veterans Association. Bob recently passed away in San Antonio, Texas, at age 98. To view more about Bob’s role in events leading up to V-E Day, click here.