The message below was released by U.S. Secretary of State Michael R. Pompeo on May 8.

Today we mark 75 years since the end of hostilities in Europe in the Second World War. We pay tribute today to all those who stood up for humanity and freedom in the face of tyranny, and we honor the sacrifices of all service members involved in ridding the world of Nazi, fascist and other aggression.

We remember with sorrow the unique suffering of the Jewish people in the Holocaust and the merciless slaughter of so many other innocent civilians. As we honor their memory, we renew our vow to never allow such atrocities to take place again.