In April 1945, as World War II drew to a close, a remarkable moment of unity unfolded on the banks of the Elbe River in Germany. Advancing from opposite directions, American and Soviet troops finally met near the town of Torgau, effectively cutting Nazi Germany in two and signaling the collapse of Hitler’s regime. The soldiers, exhausted but overjoyed, celebrated together — hugging, exchanging badges, taking photographs, and sharing rations and vodka. For a brief moment, language barriers and po