The largest armed conflict in history ended Europe on 8 May 1945, when the Germans signed the Act of Unconditional Declaration of Surrender. World War II was distinguished by methods unparalleled in history extermination used by Nazi Germany. Total number of victims exceeded 60 million worldwide. Polish losses are about 6 million victims German occupation, including about 3 million Polish Jews and about 570 thousand victims totalitarian Soviet system. In addition to human losses, the war caused also huge material damage, and a significant part of Europe lay in ruins.

Celebrations of the 79th anniversary of the end of the Second Anniversary of the Second Anniversary of the World War II and the National Day of the Children of War began today (8 May) with the Holy Mass in the Church of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Then, under the monument "In Tribute to the Fallen Poles for Faith and Homeland" flowers and candles were lit. The celebrations ended with a special meeting in the Hall Leszek Błażyński School, where students of State Schools Music School in Ełk.

The celebrations were attended by, m.in, the president of Ełk Tomasz Andrukiewicz, President of the Regional Association of Polish Children of War in Anna Skorupa, Director of the Historical Museum in Ełk, Dr. Rafał Żytyniec and Guests.