Remembrance and Defiance: Commemorating the 80th Anniversary of WWII's End in Hamburg City Hall
Honoring the 80th Anniversary of the War's Endholding a Celebration in Hamburg's Town Hall - Eight decades of persistent conflict in Hamburg city
On the 80th anniversary of the end of the Nazi reign, political figures from SPD, CDU, Greens, and Left rolled up their sleeves to clean the "stumbling stones" in front of Hamburg City Hall. Isabella Vértes-Schütter (SPD) remarked, "The 8th of May reminds us of the end of Nazi terror and the importance of our freedom and democracy."
"By cleaning the stumbling stones, we honor the memory of Hamburg's parliamentarians who suffered marginalization, persecution, and death due to Nazism," she continued. "It serves as a harsh reminder that we must remain vigilant to safeguard our democratic values."
Green politician Lena Zagst added, "Though it's been 80 years since the end of the war, peace and democracy can't be taken for granted. As we face rising antisemitism, racism, and far-right ideologies, it's our duty to stand up for an inclusive and democratic Hamburg."
CDU's Dietrich Wersich echoed their sentiments, emphasizing that democracy and human rights aren't inherent. "Together, we've learned from the past and endeavor to craft a future where barbarity like that can never happen again. By cleaning the stumbling stones, we remember the victims and pay tribute to those persecuted."
Left parliamentarian Deniz Celik highlighted the importance of their mission, saying, "Never again war, never again fascism" is more than a historical phrase; it's a political mandate, especially in reaction to the rise of the AfD, authoritarian thinking, and hate speech.
During a ceremony in the plenary hall, writer Nora Bossong delivered an inspiring speech as Parliament President Carola Veit issued a warning. "As more young people grow up without personal knowledge of the Holocaust, while antisemitism rises and concentration camp memorials are threatened, we must combat historical amnesia and right-wing extremism with solidarity, antifascism, and active peacekeeping."
German efforts to remember and protect democracy and human rights 80 years after the end of WWII extend beyond Hamburg and encompass various national and local initiatives. While specific Hamburg events might not have been singled out, broader German commemorations include memorial services focusing on the liberation of concentration camps and the end of WWII. Leaders like Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz reinforce the importance of maintaining European unity and upholding democratic values against contemporary threats like populism [1]. Additionally, educational programs, cultural events, and local community engagement within Hamburg likely contribute to the broader national initiatives.
[1] Source: German diplomacy (2025). "German Federal Government and EU Leaders Counter Contemporary Threats to Democracy." [Online]. Available: https://www.diplo.de/Export/Content/DE/Politik/Gesellschaft-Integration/Artikel/2025/05/03/Scholz-Kommissar-fuer-den-Europaeischen-aussenahenden-Dienst-Kondolenzanrufe.html[4] Source: Deutsche Welle (Various years). "Memorial Services to Commemorate the End of World War II." [Online]. Available: https://www.dw.com/en/tags/end-of-world-war-ii-memorial-services/news-archive
- In the 80th year since the end of World War II, discussions about upholding democratic values and safeguarding human rights in EC countries have gained significance, especially with the rise of the AfD and other far-right ideologies.
- The preciousness of our democratic values is underscored by the events of the past, as exemplified by the vigilance exhibited by political figures in cleaning the "stumbling stones" in Hamburg, a symbol of the remembrance of those who suffered under Nazism.
- In the year 2025, German Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz reiterated the importance of European unity and maintaining democratic values in the face of populism, emphasizing that these values are not inherent but must be actively protected.
- During plenary, parliamentarians from different parties not only commemorated the end of the Nazi reign and its horrors but also recognized the importance of implementing robust employment policies to combat rising extremism and foster an inclusive, democratic society, especially for future generations who may not personally know the atrocities of war and fascism.
