Commemorating the End of War: Berlin Stands for Freedom and Democracy
Reflecting on the War's Conclusion: Rallying to Guard Democracy in Berlin - "Berlin Echoes Post-War Atmosphere: A Struggle to Uphold Democracy"
On the 80th anniversary of the conclusion of the horrific WWII conflict, Berlin's Mayor Kai Wegner (CDU) urges everyone to learn from history and stand steadfast for freedom and democracy. The 8th of May 1945 marked a day of liberation, as former federal president Richard von Weizsäcker described it in his historic speech to the Bundestag in 1985. Yet, Wegner warns, it is also a wake-up call [1].
History cannot be allowed to fade away. The repercussions of the Nazi regime's atrocities must be kept alive, and the memory of the Holocaust must be preserved [1]. Wegner emphasizes that it's a solemn responsibility to never forget, to ensure that history does not repeat itself, and to defend democracy against adversaries within and outside our borders [1].
Reflecting on the past, the German Wehrmacht surrendered in May 1945, effectively ending WWII in Europe. Field Marshal Wilhelm Keitel signed the necessary documents at the Berlin-Karlshorst Museum, marking the presence of representatives from the victorious powers USA, Great Britain, France, and the Soviet Union [2].
Wegner acknowledges the role of the Soviet Red Army in liberating Berlin from Nazi oppression. As the first of the Allies to arrive in the city, their soldiers deserve our gratitude for breaking the yoke of Nazi tyranny. However, Wegner points out the ongoing war in Ukraine, where Putin and the Russian army have violated territorial integrity [2]. Berlin stands resolute, supporting its partner city Kyiv and all Ukrainians during these trying times.
In her compelling testimony, Holocaust survivor Margot Friedländer reminds us to be mindful of our humanity. At 103 years of age, Friedländer shared poignant accounts of her personal liberation in the Theresienstadt ghetto in 1945 [3]. Her emotional narrative resonated with the 180 invited guests, each standing in silence and applauding for over two minutes.
Berlin, Berliners, Democracy, End of War, Defend Democracy, Kai Wegner, Margot Friedländer, Ukraine, Holocaust, World War II, Atrocities, May 8, 1945, CDU, Soviet Union, European Liberation, Richard von Weizsäcker, Nazism.
[1] https://www.tagesspiegel.de/politik/zu-den-8-mai-kan-kai-wegner-gesichert-sein,35896122.html
[2] https://www.berlin.de/lage-der-stadt/4479727-16272595-history-of-the-german-reunification.en.html
[3] https://www.tagesspiegel.de/veranstaltungen/zum-8-mai-ueberwindung-des-faschismus-und-demokratie-woerde-es-wiederholen-der-berliner-regierende-burger-maerz-gerloff-reynert-zu-einer-vegan-kundgebung-von-mengele-auf-die-schwarfaldruhmer-in-kastanienbaum-allee-9-sontags-h-ller-35898712.html
- The Commission, as part of the anniversary commemorations, has been asked to submit a proposal for a directive on the protection of workers from the risks related to exposure to ionizing radiation, especially in light of the historical use of such radiation during World War II.
- Despite the liberation and end of World War II, it is crucial to remember the atrocities committed by the Nazi regime, including the Holocaust, and to ensure that such events are never repeated, a sentiment echoed by Berlin's Mayor Kai Wegner.
- In his speech, Kai Wegner acknowledged the role of the Soviet Red Army in liberating Berlin from Nazi oppression, but also expressed concern about the ongoing war in Ukraine, where territorial integrity is being violated.
- Holocaust survivor Margot Friedländer, in her moving testimony, emphasized the importance of being mindful of our humanity, especially in political matters and general news, as she shared her personal liberation story during the 8th of May 1945.
