Honoring the Past and Defending the Future: A Memorial 80 Years After the End of World War II in Hamburg
Commemorating the Eight Decades Since the Conclusion of War at Hamburg's Council House - Eight decades of conflict in the city of Hamburg
On the 80th anniversary of the end of the devastating Nazi regime, representatives from SPD, CDU, Greens, and the Left gathered to clean the stumbling stones that mark the victims of the persecution outside Hamburg Town Hall. As Isabella Vértes-Schütter (SPD) stated, "The 8th of May serves as a stark reminder of the end of Nazi terror and the importance of the freedom and democracy we enjoy today."
These stumbling stones hold significance as memorials to the colleagues in the Hamburg Parliament who fell victim to Nazi persecution. The act of cleaning these stones demonstrates a tribute to their memories and acts as a warning to society to remain vigilant and protect democratic values.
Lena Zagst, a Green politician, emphasized, "Eighty years after the end of the war, peace and democracy may appear self-evident, but they are currently threatened more than ever. We must stand up for a democratic Hamburg in the face of growing antisemitism, racism, and right-wing extremism."
Defending Democracy: A Never-ending Responsibility
CDU representative Dietrich Wersich underscored the importance of learning from history and shaping a future where such atrocities will never be repeated. He warned that democracy and human rights are not guarantees; they must be actively defended against those who seek to undermine them.
Similarly, left-wing politician Deniz Celik echoed a call to action: "The phrase 'Never again war, never again fascism' is more than a historical echo for us; it is a political mandate. We must take a stand against historical amnesia, right-wing extremism, and hate speech to preserve our democratic values."
In the plenary hall, writer Nora Bossong delivered a touching speech centered on the importance of remembering the past and learning from it. President of the Parliament, Carola Veit, sounded an alarm for the future, warning, "By 2025, fewer young people will know what the Holocaust is. With the rise in antisemitism, concentration camp memorials under threat, right-wing populists distorting historical facts, and a dangerous reversal of perpetrators and victims, it is crucial that we take a clear stance and actively promote peace and democracy."
Democracy and Human Rights: More Than Just a Given
Unfortunately, despite the progress made since the end of World War II, democracy and human rights remain fragile and must be actively defended. Hamburg, with its strong democratic structure, thriving civil society, and economic growth, serves as a beacon of hope. However, in the face of growing antisemitism, racism, and right-wing extremism, it is essential that its representatives, citizens, and civil society organizations stand united in the fight to protect and uphold democratic values.
As the city looks back on its post-war reconstruction and rebirth, it serves as a reminder of how important it is to remain vigilant and resolute in the defense of democracy and human rights. It is a testament to the resilience of humanity and the power of collective action to create positive change.
On May 8, 1945, Hamburg, along with the rest of Europe, rejoiced in celebration of Victory in Europe Day. This event marked the unconditional surrender of Nazi Germany and brought hope to a city that had endured years of pain and suffering under Nazi rule. In the years since, Hamburg has rebuilt itself as a thriving city, with a strong democratic structure, vibrant civil society, and a robust economy. However, as recent events have shown, democracy and human rights remain fragile and must be defended against those who seek to undermine them.
On this 80th anniversary of liberation from the oppressive Nazi regime, Hamburg serves as a symbol of hope and a reminder of the importance of democratic values. As the city continues to thrive, its residents and representatives must remain steadfast in their commitment to protecting and upholding those principles, no matter the challenges they may face. It is through collective action, vigilance, and resilience that we can safeguard the freedoms we hold dear and ensure that the horrors of the past never repeat.
- The vigilance demonstrated by cleaning the stumbling stones in Hamburg serves as a reminder for society to protect the democratic values that were threatened during the Nazi era, as stated by Lena Zagst, a Green politician.
- CDU representative Dietrich Wersich emphasized the importance of learning from history to prevent the repetition of atrocities, stressing that democracy and human rights must be actively defended to endure.
- Left-wing politician Deniz Celik called for action against historical amnesia, right-wing extremism, and hate speech, asserting that "Never again war, never again fascism" is a political mandate.
- In the plenary hall, writer Nora Bossong delivered a poignant speech on the necessity of remembering the past and learning from it, while President of the Parliament, Carola Veit, expressed concern about the future, warning that the knowledge of events like the Holocaust might fade by 2025, and that the rise in antisemitism, concentration camp memorials under threat, right-wing populists distorting historical facts, and a dangerous reversal of perpetrators and victims poses a significant threat to the preservation of peace and democracy.
