Countries across the world will be celebrating the 80th anniversary of Nazi Germany’s unconditional surrender in World War II. But this year’s events may be more bittersweet than in the past.

Europe is marking one of its most joyous days in history. The 80th anniversary of the end of World War II on the continent was on Thursday.

Known as Victory in Europe Day, May 8 marks the date that Germany surrendered to Western powers after Adolf Hitler and other Nazi leaders died by suicide. In honor of the observance, here are seven important victories for the Allied forces over the Axis powers.