General Alfred Jodl is representing the forces of Germany, and tries to only gain a surrender with the western Allies, so that they may try and fight off the Russians.
But General Dwight D. Eisenhower demands complete and total unconditional surrender of all German forces.
Grand Admiral Karl Donitz, the current leader of Germany, authorizes Jodl to accept the terms.
Russian General Ivan Susloparov and French General Francois Sevez sign as witnesses, and American General Walter Bedell Smith signs for the Allied Forces.
The war in Europe was officially over, Victory in Europe had come.
Most of the world celebrates May 8 as VE Day, but it was May 7 when peace came.

I didn't know about the date difference. Here's to May 7!
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