Video: 'Crowds Celebrate VE Day In Times Square'

(Monday, May 7, 1945, noon hour EWT; during World War II) — New York City’s millions reacted in two sharply contrasting ways today to the news of the unconditional surrender of the German armies.

A large and noisy minority greeted it with the turbulent enthusiasm of New Year’s Eve and Election Night rolled into one in Times Square, packed with 500,000 people by the noon hour.

However, the great bulk of the city’s population responded with quiet thanksgiving that the war in Europe was won, tempered by the realization that a grim and bitter struggle still was ahead in the Pacific and the fact that the nation is still mourning for its fallen President and Commander in Chief, Franklin D. Roosevelt.

Video: 'V-E Day Celebration In Times Square, New York City'