East Meets West Day

East Meets West Day is an annual American holiday commemorating the historic meeting of soldiers of the U.S. and Soviet armies during WWII. It heralded the Great Victory over the Nazis in the bloody war. It is celebrated on April 25.

History

The story of East Meets West Day begins in 1945, when American and Soviet soldiers were already on German territory, approaching the Elbe River. It was there that the armies of the two superpowers met face to face for the first time. Lieutenant Albert Kotzebue came out on the U.S. side, and Colonel Alexander Gordeev on the Soviet side. They solemnly shook hands. This and other moments from the meeting were captured on camera by war correspondents.

As a result of the meeting, a decision was made to end hostilities on the part of American soldiers. The Soviet army then made a victorious dash to Berlin, ending a bloody war that lasted 6 years and claimed millions of lives, both civilians and soldiers.

Interesting facts

• Despite the common goal, the armies of the two superpowers did not want to meet, for political and other reasons. However, their meeting and acceptance of each other made it possible to end the war.
• The monument “Meeting on the Elbe” was erected in Torgau in honor of the famous meeting.
• Every year on April 25, the orchestra performs the anthems of the United States and Russia.

How to celebrate

Learn more details about the encounter between East and West on the Elbe River. Visit museums to view military evidence of the period.

Spread the word on social media. Let more people know about it!

When East Meets West Day celebrated in 2023?

East Meets West Day is observed on April 25 each year.

Observations