National East Meets West Day:

The National East Meets West Day is observed on the 25th of April. This day marks the historical event- when the Eastern Front of the Allied forces met the Western front on the banks of River Elbe. This day is also noted to be an important event in bringing an end to World War II.

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#EastMeetsWestDay

Why National East Meets West Day?

This day holds one of the most important historical events to take place that went ahead and stopped a raging war from turning the world into a graveyard.

During the time World War II had been fuming for over six years, in the prior years, the Axis power was losing its grip over the war, and the allies were getting stronger. During mid-April, the allies decided to take the fight onward to Berlin. It was set that the allies would meet near the River Elbe where the American’s were coming from the East, and the Soviet army was situated on the West. They were given orders to not make contact and wait on their respective parts of the banks of the river until the Higher Officers formulated a strategy for Berlin. On the Wednesday morning of April 25th, a group of American commanders got on a boat and sailed towards the west. American First Lieutenant Albert Kotzebue made the first contact with Soviet Lieutenant Colonel Alexander Gardiev, who came along with his fellow Commandos and shook hands. That one action changed the fate of World War II. Later on that day, the rest of the American Commanders crossed over to the other side to receive a warm welcome from the Soviets.

The one event that might seem like a simple gesture holds great power. Here we can understand the importance of non-verbal communications as it didn’t take a long speech to declare trust but just crossing over to shake the allies’ hand did. History has had its royal messes, but all of them have been cleaned well because of gestures like this. The war In Europe soon went ahead to end as the allies worked together and effectively cut out half of the Nazi forces. After two weeks of the invasion in Berlin, Red Army stormed out of Berlin, stating the war had come to an end. We celebrate that one incident even 76 years later for the powerful gesture it holds.

How can we observe National East Meets West Day:

• Let this day be a symbol: We often forget the small things that add up to the big picture, which teaches nothing but ignorance. National East Meets West Day also is a reminder to understand the importance of choosing to showcase trust and giving each other the hope of having each other back when things feel uncertain.

• Visit War Museums: Taking some time off on this day to visit Museums that house artifacts from Wars and World War II will help you discover the importance of every event of history that changed the events. National World War Museum II, situated in New Orealin, Lousiana, or the International Museum of World War II in Natick, Massachusetts, holds a vast range of artifacts that act as a reminder to do better and be better to not make mistakes of the past.

• Educate yourself and the world around you: In a world where we are connected through the internet and social media, we can spread awareness of these historical days by using hashtags like #NationalEastMeetsWest or #ElbeDay. We recommend you to watch documentaries on World War II and the literature that revolves on the top to give you a better idea.

Interesting facts on National East Meets West Day:

Here are some interesting facts for you to think about

• It noted that over 100,000 Allied bomber crewmen were killed over Europe
• In 1923 only 20% of the Soviet Union male borns survived the war.
• History noted that William Hitler, who is Adolf Hitler’s nephew, served in the US Navy during World War II.
• The city of Tokyo was the target for a third atom bomb if necessary.

History of National East Meets West Day:

This day is commemorated to remember the event that took place on 25th April 1945. During World War II when the allies had decided to meet on the banks of River Elba to discuss the strategy for Berlin. The day became memorable when an American Commander from the East went over to the other side of the river to meet the Soviet Union at the west and shook his hand. After that day, the allies went ahead to Berlin and drove the Red army out, ending the war. This day was marked to remember the importance of trust and hope.