Flying High: Remembrance as Flags Go Full Mast in North Rhine-Westphalia
Flags hoisted at their peak height, eight decades following the conclusion of World War II. - Eight decades post the conclusion of World War I
It's a symbolic nod to the past as flags on public buildings across North Rhine-Westphalia will be raised high on May 8 - 80 years after the conclusion of World War II. This day marks a grim chapter in human history, as pointed out by NRW Interior Minister Herbert Reul (CDU).
"Our democracy?" He thundered, "It ain't handed to us on a silver platter, we need to bloody well remember that!" He continued, "The only way we can secure our free, democratic future is by keeping our eyes on the past."
The act of hoisting the flags is more than just a gesture of remembrance; it's a warning sign too, as declared by the Interior Ministry in the bustling city of Düsseldorf. The order extends to all state-run public buildings, as well as municipalities, community associations, and other state-controlled entities.
Now, you might wonder, what's the big deal about flags flying at full mast? Well, unless there's a specific reason or rule dictating otherwise, flags are usually hoisted at full height. May 8 marks the anniversary of V-E Day, but in Germany, it's more about contemplating the past and fostering peace than partying.
- Memorial Day
- Flag Etiquette
- North Rhine-Westphalia
- Democracy
- Historical Reflection
- Public Buildings
- Düsseldorf
Just a quick heads up, the finer details of flag etiquette can differ from country to country and even within regions. In Germany, while May 8 is marked as a significant historical day, it's not customary to lower the flags to half-mast. Instead, it serves as a day for introspection about history and spreading universal messages of peace.
- In North Rhine-Westphalia, the Memorial Day of World War II, commemorated on May 8, will see flags on public buildings raised at full mast, serving as a reminder of history and a call for peace.
- The Interior Ministry, based in Düsseldorf, has issued a warning, extending the flag-raising order to state-run public buildings, municipalities, community associations, and other state-controlled entities.
- As they remember the past, it's important to acknowledge the hard-earned nature of democracy, as asserted by the NRW Interior Minister, Herbert Reul, emphasizing the necessity of remembering history to secure a free, democratic future.
- While the sight of flags flying at full mast might be commonplace, it take on a unique significance in North Rhine-Westphalia on the anniversary of V-E Day, embodying a day for historical reflection and fostering messages of peace.
