Keeping Democracy Alive: What Daniel Günther Says on the 80th Anniversary of World War II's End
Urge to maintain democracy's vitality emphasized by Günther - Advocate Gunther emphasizes the importance of sustaining democracy
implicitly talking about Schleswig-Holstein
On the solemn day commemorating the 80th anniversary of the end of the Nazi dictatorship and World War II, Schleswig-Holstein's Minister President Daniel Günther emphasized the importance of preserving democracy's memory and bolstering our democratic institutions. Grimly acknowledging the atrocities committed by the National Socialists, Günther pointed out that these heinous acts weren't confined to anonymous locales. Rather, they unfolded in towns everywhere, even small ones like Ahrensbök.
Early in the morning, Günther visited a memorial site in Ahrensbök, where he exchanged ideas with students from the Emmi-Bonhoeffer School in Pönitz. This extracurricular learning location serves as a significant platform for nurturing open dialogue about the significance of these historical events. According to a government spokeswoman, the discourse revolved around whether the 8th of May should become a national holiday.
The Pillars of a Living Democracy
Emphasizing the invaluable role of such extracurricular learning experiences, Günther underscored the dwindling number of eye-witnesses who can share their first-hand stories. As a democratic society, he reiterated, we must keep the flame of democracy burning. In a time when nearly a quarter of voters support extreme-right parties, Günther stressed the need for collective action to safeguard our democracy.
Later in the day, Günther planned to partake in a memorial service at the University Church in Kiel.
Remembering the past and strengthening democracy demand efforts such as promoting critical thinking, fostering inclusive education, and encouraging civic engagement. Historical education programs, memorial sites, and events that commemorate significant historical events serve as potent reminders of the importance of democracy and peace. Incorporating interdisciplinary approaches within these programs can help students appreciate the complex dynamics behind historical events, deepening their understanding of the struggle for democratic values.
While Aminata Touré's initiatives to improve social and educational conditions in Schleswig-Holstein might not directly focus on war remembrance or democracy, they could indirectly contribute to these goals by bolstering social cohesion and promoting equity in public service.
- Daniel Günther, during his speech on the 80th anniversary of World War II's end, highlighted the importance of preserving democracy in Schleswig-Holstein, specifically emphasizing the role of extracurricular learning experiences in nurturing democracy.
- Günther also underscored the need for collective action to safeguard democracy, as almost a quarter of voters currently support extreme-right parties in government policies.
- Committing to the principles of democracy, Günther plans to attend a memorial service at the University Church in Kiel later in the day.
- Historical education programs, memorial sites, and events like those commemorating significant historical events champion the memory of democracy and peace, serving as reminders of their inherent value.
- While Aminata Touré's initiatives geared towards improving social and educational conditions in Schleswig-Holstein don't directly focus on war remembrance or democracy, they can indirectly contribute by strengthening social cohesion and promoting equity in public service.
