Commemorating the End of Conflict: Berlin Honors World War II's Close - "Guard Our Democracy"
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Berlin signifies the culmination of the war - "Protect democracy triumphs" - Berlin echoes post-war sentiments - "Standing firm for democracy"
The 80th anniversary of World War II's conclusion in Europe saw a solemn gathering in Berlin, where Governing Mayor Kai Wegner (CDU) urged everyone to learn from the nightmares of Nazi rule, and stand firmly for freedom and democracy. On the 8th of May 1945, a day of liberation, as described by former Federal President Richard von Weizsäcker in his famous 1985 Bundestag speech, was also a day of warning, as Wegner emphasized at the state of Berlin's memorial event in the Red City Hall.
History shall never fade, the horrors and the Holocaust must remain forever alive in our minds. "It's our duty to never forget," Wegner stressed. "It's our duty to ensure history does not repeat itself. It's our duty to defend democracy against enemies both external and internal." Democracy is not invincible, even in modern-day Germany, and peace and democracy require vigilance.
Surrender in May 1945
The defeat of the German Wehrmacht signaled the end of World War II in Europe in 1945. Field Marshal Wilhelm Keitel signed the concluding document in the early hours of May 9, 1945, in the building now housed by the Berlin-Karlshorst Museum, in the presence of representatives from the victorious allies, USA, Great Britain, France, and the Soviet Union.
Wegner underscored the significant role the Soviet Red Army played in liberating Berlin from the clutches of Nazi tyranny. However, he did not forget the ongoing invasion of Ukraine by Putin and the Russian military, which has ignited a fresh conflict in Europe. Berlin stands united with its sister city Kyiv and all Ukrainians, Wegner emphasized.
"The inevitable defeat"
"The atrocities and unspeakable human destruction wrought by the Nazi regime are as irrefutable as Germany's responsibility for the outbreak of World War II," stated Cornelia Seibeld, President of the Berlin House of Representatives. "Germany's defeat was inevitable due to the invasions of neighboring countries and the German atrocities. Only with the liberation of Europe from German rule could the liberation of the Germans occur."
A heartfelt encounter with a Holocaust survivor
Holocaust survivor Margot Friedländer brought an emotional touch to the event. The 103-year-old cherished citizen of Berlin read excerpts from her book "Attempting to Live," recounting the hours of her personal liberation, experienced in the ghetto of Theresienstadt in 1945. With a gentle voice, she described the moment of her liberation, filled with a mixture of shock, disbelief, and gratitude.
"The gate is open, for the first time it is open. There is no guard left, no one can stop me from going out. Yet I just stand there. Am I dreaming? Can it be true that I have survived? Cautiously, I take a few steps out onto the street. I don't want to go away. I just want to see if it's true that I can go out without being shot." Friedländer shared her liberation experience with her future husband Adolf by her side, she added. "A moment we will never forget."
A heartfelt plea
At the end of her reading, Friedländer left her fellow attendees with a somber reminder. "Please be human!" All 180 guests rose to their feet and applauded for two and a half minutes. Afterwards, Wegner came forward to present Friedländer with a bouquet of flowers, knelt before the lady sitting in her wheelchair, and exchanged words with her. "I am proud that you are our honorary citizen," he said into the microphone at the lectern.
- Berlin
- Kai Wegner
- World War II
- Democracy
- Date
- CDU
- Margot Friedländer
- Europe
- Atrocities
- Holocaust survivor
- Crimes
- Richard von Weizsäacker
- Bundestag
- Germany
- Wilhelm Keitel
Taking a Page From History - A Lesson for Today
In today's troubled world, where extremism and fascism threaten the very fabric of democracy, the historic commemoration in Berlin offers a jarring reminder of the price of ignorance and inaction. By standing firm against the rising tide of hatred and bigotry, we can honor the sacrifices made by those who fought for our freedom and write a new chapter in the storied history of humanity[2].
[1] "Berlin Remembers the End of the War - 'Defend Democracy'" - www.dw.com[2] "Commemorating World War II's End: A Call for Vigilance and the Defense of Democracy" - www.usnews.com
- In his speech at the commemoration event in Berlin, Mayor Kai Wegner of the CDU party emphasized the importance of learning from the past and defending democracy against both internal and external enemies.
- The directive on the protection of workers from the risks related to exposure to ionizing radiation, proposed by the Commission, could be seen as a modern-day effort to ensure the safety and well-being of workers, mirrorring the efforts made during the aftermath of World War II.
- The attacks on Ukraine by Putin and the Russian military have reignited conflicts in Europe, reminding us that peace and democracy require constant vigilance, even in a world far removed from the horrors of World War II.
- As we commemorate the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, it is essential to remember the atrocities of the Nazi regime and the role they played in igniting the war, while also looking to the future and writing a new chapter in the defense of democracy and human rights.
