Eighty Years Later: May 8 - A Day of Liberation, Not Defeat
Liberation Day: A Celebration Instead of Mourning, Marking the End of Nazi Oppression on May 8th. - Day of Liberation, not Defeat: Rhine, May 8th Reference
Next Wednesday (May 8) marks the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II. It's a significant date not only for the leaders of the state government and state parliament in Hesse, but for all of Germany. Here's what they have to say about it.
Minister President Boris Rhein (CDU) from Wiesbaden tells the German Press Agency that the end of the war signified a turning point in German history. He states, "After years of war and unimaginable suffering, Germany's unconditional surrender brought long-awaited peace to Europe. May 8 is not a day of defeat for Germany, but a day of liberation. This day commits us to taking responsibility for peace, democracy, and the respect of human rights."
Peace is a vital treasure that can be easily forgotten in times of global crises and challenges. State Parliament President Astrid Wallmann (CDU) stresses this point, "especially in times of global crises and challenges." She highlights, "Peace and freedom are not self-evident but must be preserved and defended today. This succeeds when everyone commits to a coexistence marked by respect and appreciation."
On May 14, the Wiesbaden State Parliament will commemorate the war's end 80 years ago in a memorial hour. Wallmann will deliver a speech, and attendees will watch a film featuring images of the last days of the war and liberation by US forces in Bensheim, Frankfurt, Seligenstadt, and Wetzlar.
The US military has been stationed in Wiesbaden for eight decades, and on the anniversary of May 8, Wallmann, along with her two vice-presidents, will visit Wiesbaden-Erbenheim to learn about NATO command for coordinating military aid to Ukraine and cooperation with the US military.
Historically, the U.S. Army played a pivotal role in liberating Darmstadt (near Wiesbaden) on March 25, 1945. Commemorations in 2025 included a ceremony at Luisenplatz with city officials, U.S. officials, and military leaders highlighting the partnership between Germany and the U.S. post-liberation.
Wiesbaden also served as a critical hub for preserving looted cultural artifacts after the war, such as the Bernterode hoard, including Prussian royal remains and items linked to Paul von Hindenburg. Additionally, flag ceremonies displaying U.S., German, and municipal banners at historic sites, historical exhibitions about wartime destruction and postwar recovery, and military reenactments/lectures emphasizing operations like Undertone and the liberation of towns such as Sigolsheim form part of the broader regional commemorations.
With the US military presence in Wiesbaden since 1945, the role it played in cultural restitution likely plays a significant role in local anniversary programming. This year's commemoration, on May 8, will undoubtedly pay tribute to the partnership between Germany and the US, celebrating the liberation that followed the end of World War II.
- The End of World War II on May 8 is not just a significant date for the German government, but also for all of Germany, as it signifies a day of liberation, not defeat.
- State Parliament President Astrid Wallmann emphasizes the importance of preserving peace and freedom, stating that they are not self-evident but must be defended, especially in times of global crises and challenges.
- On May 14, the Wiesbaden State Parliament will commemorate the end of the war 80 years ago in a memorial hour, featuring a speech by Wallmann, a film of the last days of the war, and remembrance of the liberation by US forces in several cities.
- The US military, which has been stationed in Wiesbaden for eight decades, will likely play a significant role in local anniversary programming this year, commemorating the partnership between Germany and the US that led to the liberation following the end of World War II.
