The Anniversary of the German Invasion of Denmark is observed in Denmark every April 9. This day serves as a day of mourning, commemorating the German invasion during World War II on April 9, 1940, when the German army swiftly crossed the Danish border. To honor this occasion, the flags of Denmark are flown at half mast until noon, symbolizing the somber remembrance of the occupation, which lasted until May 5, 1945. The occupation was notably lenient, with both King Christian X and the Danish government remaining in the country until the government was dissolved by German authorities. At noon, the flags are raised to full mast, signifying Denmark's liberation and current status as a free country. The day also reflects on the effective resistance movement that emerged during the occupation, including the successful evacuation of nearly all Danish Jews to Sweden in 1943.