Recalling the Aftermath: Schwesig - May 8, 1945, Remembered as a Day of Liberation, Responsibility, and Vigilance
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Schwesig: Liberation Day, marked on May 8, 1945. - Day of Liberation: Victory Day marking the end of Nazi occupation in Europe, celebrated on May 8th, 1945.
Minister President of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, Manuela Schwesig, belonging to the SPD, has underscored Germany's obligation for the outbreak of World War II, reminding us that it concluded in Europe on May 8, 1945. She noted that heartfelt sorrow is genuine only when it is accompanied by a clear understanding of responsibility and guilt. As individuals who live today, we may not bear personal blame for past events, but we hold responsibility for ensuring that such calamities never repeat themselves.
During a memorial service in Schwerin's state parliament, Schwesig underscored the importance of preserving democracy, freedom, and peace, especially in times when forces antithetical to democracy seek to gain prominence. Regrettably, there are still numerous individuals worldwide who continue to endure the ravages of war, racism, antisemitism, and state violence. While such suffering cannot be compared with the atrocities of National Socialism, we must guard against early indicators of threats to our democracy, and extend aide to those whose fundamental rights are deprived.
President of the State Parliament, Birgit Hesse (SPD), recollected that the war was responsible for the demise of over 60 million lives, with unimaginable devastation, persecution, and war crimes like systematic annihilation and forced resettlement under the Nazi regime. During the ceremony, we commemorated May 8 as a day to honor the millions of victims who perished in the unspeakable carnage of this conflict. In Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, May 8th has been marked as a memorial day since 1999, offering an opportunity to reflect upon the devastating consequences of the war [1].
- Manuela Schwesig
- World War II
- SPD
- War's Aftermath
- Mecklenburg-Vorpommern
- Europe
- Day of Liberation
- Germany
- Democracy
- Schwerin
Sources:
[1] Deutsche Welle. (2020, August 12). The importance of remembering World War II. [online] Available at: https://www.dw.com/en/the-importance-of-remembering-world-war-ii/a-49555361
[2] The Guardian. (2020). Europe's second world war. [online] Available at: https://www.theguardian.com/world/series/europes-second-world-war-memory-and-impact-on-future-generations
- Manuela Schwesig, as the Minister President of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, emphasized Germany's responsibility in the outbreak of World War II, particularly on the day of its conclusion in Europe, May 8, 1945.
- In her speech, Schwesig highlights the significance of continuing to advocate for democracy, freedom, and peace, especially in times when forces opposed to democracy are on the rise.
- On this Memorial Day in Schwerin's state parliament, Schwesig underscored the importance of remembering the millions of victims who perished in World War II, noting that May 8th has been a day of remembrance in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern since 1999.
- Recognizing the ongoing struggles faced by individuals worldwide, Schwesig urged that we must remain vigilant against threats to democracy, and extend aid to those who have their fundamental rights stripped away.
