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.

Europe is marking one of its most joyous days in history. The 80th anniversary of the end of World War II on the continent was on Thursday.

President Donald Trump proclaimed Wednesday that May 8 will be celebrated as Victory Day for World War II. He issued the proclamation a day before Victory in Europe Day, which marks the Allies’ defeat of the Axis powers in Europe during the war.

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.

Britain's King Charles said on Thursday the world had a duty to commit to seeking lasting peace and preventing warfare in a speech to mark the end of four days of commemorations for the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day.