This past Thursday, we celebrated the 80th anniversary of V-E Day. V-E stands for Victory in Europe and was officially recognized historically on May 8, 1945.

On that day, World War II in Europe ended with the surrender of the German forces. The war itself didn’t end with V-E Day, but rather, after Japan surrendered in August of that year. My wife and I have always been interested in this period of history and have been reading a lot lately on the subject. I finally found time to read Tom Brokaw’s book “The Greatest Generation,” describing the life and times of folks who were impacted by the second World War. It’s a good read and one that makes me appreciate those folks who lived through not only the great depression, but the war, as well.

When V-E Day happened, it was the end of the war for many service men and women still fighting in Europe, although many didn’t know it at that point. Some units that had fought in Germany were scheduled to fight in the Pacific, but many didn’t get the chance because of V-J Day, thankfully. In Europe, V-E Day was a celebration — with parties in the streets, parades and much revelry.

Here at home in the states, there were celebrations, too. In Weirton and Steubenville, there were many churches that offered services of thanksgiving for the end of the war in Europe.

According to the June 1945 edition of the Weirton Steel Employees Bulletin, many went to services to pray for peace, but they were aware their job was only half done.

“Conscience their fighting men were only half through the job of defeating the Axis, Weirton people gave thanks to God for V-E Day. No one ‘celebrated’ by staying away from the vital work of making steel required for total victory. Like all America, Weirton will really celebrate when Japan inevitably surrenders — unconditionally.”

The men and women of our area were still needed in the mill to produce the steel necessary to win the war. V-E Day made them more committed than ever.

I really enjoy reading copies of the Bulletin from this time period because by 1944-45, it had really turned into a publication that showcased local veterans, in addition to all the work that was going on for war production. A big part of that production was done by women, and many were working in the mills of our area at that time. And some were veterans themselves.

The Bulletin highlighted three in the V-E Day copy, “EX-Warriors … they’re still in war work. These three attractive girls are veterans of World War II. Although honorably discharged from military service, they have continued to work for victory. Margaret Erminger was with the WAC’s, Women’s Army Corps; Isabel Prolago, a former WAVE, having served in the Navy; Mary Tarovisky Lassan was a WAC. Margaret and Isabel are Shell plant employees. Mary works in the Metallurgical lab, Tin Mill.”

Not only were the workers devoting themselves to getting the job done in the plants, but members of the community were pulling together to end the war as soon as possible by buying war bonds.

At the time of V-E Day, the Seventh War Loan was in full swing, and Hancock County led the state with the highest “E” Bond quota per capita, raising $726,527. Members of the Weir Cove District had raised $646,698. Employees of Weirton Steel raised $477,681 of that total and the community made up the additional $169,017.

Additionally, members of the mill and community held a large clothing drive to help the people of liberated Europe.

According to the Bulletin, “Weirton workers responding to the United Nations Clothing Drive in April, donating 23,448 pounds of used clothing and shoes, setting what is believed to be a state and national record. The total collected in Hancock County was 32,448 pounds, it has been announced by Norman D. Ferrari, chairman for the Weir-Cove Kiwanis Club. The majority of Weirton people who joined in sending this record shipment of clothing to the destitute peoples of liberated Europe, represent the first and second generations of a score of European nationalities. The shipment from this county required three trips of a 23-foot moving trailer, the cost of transportation being donated.”

After V-E Day, the war was still raging in the Pacific. Weirton and Steubenville soldiers were still fighting hard on land, sea and in the sky.

In May of 1945, a brand new B-29 Superfortress rolled off the assembly line and was christened by its crew, a group of men from 11 different states, “Weirite” after the Weirite tin plate made in Weirton Steel. Their lieutenant, Paul Shernisky, was a Weirton native and worked in the mill, so they honored the mill by naming the plane after the Weirton Steel product.

According to the Bulletin, Paul wrote to Weirton Steel President Tom Millsop in April: “In a month or so, the boys and I get a brand-new B-29 to fly out Tokyo way. We want to call it ‘Weirite,’ to honor the people back home who have given so much of their time, efforts and energy toward the winning of this war. We’re really proud of the records my fellow workers, the employees of the Weirton Steel Company, have made during the years since Pearl Harbor and would like to show our appreciation by naming our ship after them. To us, Weirite means ‘We’re right,’ and nothing is more true as the part of the United Nations in this war is concerned.”

The B-29 was stationed in Tinian, an island in the Pacific, and the plane flew 15 successful combat missions over Japan until the end of the war when it became a “Mercy Ship” bringing food, clothing and medical supplies to “liberated Allied prisoners and the GIs who are occupying the smashed empire.” Shernisky later became a captain in addition to receiving the Air Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster and Battle Star, along with a citation of commendation from his commanding officer. He said his crew of the Weirite “is the best damn crew on Tinian.”

V-E Day in world history was a momentous moment. After 80 years, it is important to still remember the sacrifices of the men and women at home and in the service who gave so much to secure freedom in the world.

Our community did it’s part to help secure that freedom, and that we can be proud of.

(Zuros is Hancock County administrator.)