The Day of Remembrance of the Victims of Fascism and Communism is observed in Romania every August 23. This date commemorates the 1944 coup led by King Michael I, which resulted in the overthrow of Ion Antonescu and his fascist government, allowing Romania to join the Allies during World War II. Following the coup, the Red Army advanced into Romania, and King Michael I declared war on Germany. The day was originally celebrated as Liberation from Fascist Occupation Day from 1949 to 1990, before being renamed in 2011 to honor both the coup and the Molotov—Ribbentrop Pact of 1939. The observance serves to remember the victims of both fascism and communism in Romania.