Denmark's Liberation Day: A Day to Remember the End of Occupation
Denmark honors 85 years since World War 2 invasion
Get ready to flip the script, folks! Here's the lowdown on what's about to go down in Denmark as they reflect on a significant chapter of their history.
Today, we're chatting about Denmark's Liberation Day, a day that marks the end of theirWorld War IIoccupation. You heard that right, on April 9, 1940, German troops crossed the Danish border, marking the beginning of an occupation that would last for over five years.
Fast forward to now, and 85 years later, the royal residence of Amalienborg in Copenhagen is raising a ruckus—er, I mean, raising its flag. They'll be hoisting it from half-mast to full-mast at noon, symbolizing the fact that the occupation eventually ain't gonna last. As they said, "At noon, the flag will be raised to full mast as a quiet symbol of the fact the occupation did not last."
That's not all. Flags across the whole of Denmark are currently at half-mast in respect of the anniversary of the occupation's start. It's a poignant reminder of the past, but it's one that signals hope and resilience.
Now, let's dive deeper into the context. When the South Jutland border was breached in 1940, German troops landed in several locations within Denmark, and shots were exchanged at Amalienborg. The Danish government fell to the Germans that very same morning, surrendering without much of a fight.
Curious about Danish interest in World War II history? Get this—recent polls show that a considerable chunk of Danish folks have taken a keen interest in the Second World War and the occupation period in Denmark. That's right. More than half of Danes have become more interested in the Second World War and occupation period, likely due to increased global instability and conflict over the years.
The liberation of Denmark was announced on May 4th, 1945. That's a date that's been etched into Danish history, and one that's still celebrated to this very day. So, in typical Danish fashion, they light candles in their windows every May 4th to symbolize the removal of blackout curtains as the war came to an end. This tradition is a powerful reminder of the freedom they gained after the struggle.
So there you have it, folks—a brief history lesson on Denmark's Liberation Day. Food for thought: maybe it's a good time to light a candle yourself, wherever you are, as a symbol of hope and resilience.
- In Copenhagen, the royal residence of Amalienborg will add a significant symbolic touch to Denmark's Liberation Day by raising the flag from half-mast to full-mast at noon, representing the end of the World War II occupation.
- The news of Denmark's Liberation Day commemorating the end of the occupation in 1945 has inspired greater interest in World War II history among a large portion of Danes, with more than half showing a keener interest in the Second World War and the occupation period.
- Apart from the flag-raising ceremony, general-news outlets are reporting that flags across Denmark remain at half-mast, serving as a poignant reminder of the anniversary of the occupation's start and a tribute to the resilience of the Danish people.
- On May 4th, 1945, the liberation of Denmark was announced, an event that is still celebrated as Denmark's Liberation Day and reminded annually by Danish people through the tradition of lighting candles in their windows as a silent salute, symbolizing the removal of blackout curtains and the return of light after dark times.
