National East Meets West Day

On April 25th, the Eastern Front of the Allied forces met the Western front on the River Elbe on the Western front. This day, also known as Elbe Day, marked a significant step toward ending World War II.

World War II had been raging for more than six years, and it had been raging for more than six years. Several events had started turning the tides of the war against the Axis powers during the previous year. The Allies were marching toward peace in April of 1945. However, it would require a concerted effort from both American troops in the East and Soviet armies from the West.

The commanders ordered their teams not to talk to each other in any way. Officers from each division officially occupied Berlin, while officers from each division formalized their occupation.

However, patrols patrolled the river outside of Berlin on the River Elbe on April 25th. First Lieutenant Albert Kotzebue and Soviet Lieutenant Colonel Alexander Gardiev were the first to contact, along with their orders.

Photographers recalled the moment of the Eastern front's meeting the Western front two days later.

How to celebrate #eastmeetswestday

Learn more about World War II history
Visit a World War II history exhibit
Read about the war II stories
Many who served and those who fought to bring the war to an end are those who came to an end
To post on social media, use the hashtags "EastMeetsWestDay" or #ElbeDay

HISTORY OF EAST MEETS WEST DAY HISTORY OF HISTORY. EAST MEETS WEST DAY HISTORY. On the 65th anniversary of this historic event, US and Russian presidents released a joint statement recognizing Elbe Day. Elbe Day festivities are held annually in Torgau, Germany.