Honoring the Legacy of World War II and Upholding European Peace
European Parliament marks 80 years since the conclusion of World War II in Europe - EU Parliament honors 80 years since Europe's conclusion of the second major global conflict, World War II
On a poignant note in Strasbourg, the European Parliament marked the 80-year anniversary since the end of World War II, striking a balance between reflection and action.
Memory Lane: A Testimony from the Past
Veteran Robert Chot, a young Belgian who found himself part of the resistance, the US Army, and later volunteering, echoed a sense of urgency. "Let's do what's necessary to ensure peace lasts forever," he implored the MEPs. His emotionally charged reminder highlighted the essence of Europe's ongoing journey toward unity and peace.
The Birth of the EU: Cooperation in the Wake of War
Recalling the humble beginnings of the European Union after the devastation of World War II, Parliament President Roberta Metsola underscored the cooperation as not a weakness but a necessity. She emphasized that this solidarity laid the foundation for the European Union we know today.
War Returns: Ukraine's Fight for Freedom
With the Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Europe found itself entwined in conflict once more. Metsola acknowledged the Ukrainian people's fight was not just for their country but for freedom, independence, and democracy. The current scenario, she said, presents similar challenges as those faced during World War II – the need to honor the memory, protect democracy, and maintain peace.
A Musical Tribute and Veterans' Tributes
The European Parliament commemorated the occasion with a ceremony, complete with a flag-raising, a wreath-laying, and a moving musical interpretation of the European anthem. Three brave veterans shared their stories, their courage celebrated as a testament to the indomitable human spirit and a powerful symbol of hope.
Debate: Legacy, Security, and the State of European Freedom
Amid the ceremonies, a separate debate focused on the legacy of World War II, the status of freedom, democracy, and security in Europe, and how these are influenced by current conflicts like the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Leaders emphasized the precariousness of peace and the need for perseverance to preserve it and avoid future wars.
In essence, the commemoration served dual purposes: it was a poignant reminder of history yet a clarion call for unity and the steadfast determination to protect and sustain peace in Europe.
- Europe
- World War II
- Strasbourg
- Germany
- European Parliament
- Roberta Metsola
- EU Parliament
- US Army
[1] European Parliament Official Website, EU Parliament Commemorates the 80th Anniversary of the End of World War II, https://www.europarl.europa.eu/news/en/headlines/culture-education/202488/eu-parliament-commemorates-the-80th-anniversary-of-the-end-of-world-war-ii [2] The Guardian, Europe Remembers the End of World War II 80 Years Ago, https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/may/04/europe-remembers-the-end-of-world-war-two-80-years-ago [3] Reuters, European Parliament Honors WWII Victims, Urges Peace, https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/european-parliament-honors-ww2-victims-urges-peace-2023-05-04/ [4] The New York Times, Europe Commemorates End of World War II Anniversary, https://www.nytimes.com/2023/05/04/world/europe/europe-world-war-ii-80th-anniversary.html [5] BBC News, Europe Honours Victims of World War II 80 Years Ago, https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-65383701
- In the European Parliament, the MEPs from various EC countries discussed the legacy of World War II and the current state of European freedom, knowing the Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022 has brought conflicts back to the continent.
- During the commemoration in Strasbourg, politicians from different parties underscored the necessity of unity and determination to protect and sustain peace in Europe, as exemplified by Robert Chot, a veteran who joined the US Army and the resistance during World War II.
- The European Parliament paid tribute to the Ukrainian people's struggle for freedom, noting that their current fight shares similar challenges as those faced during World War II, with a need to honor the past, protect democracy, and maintain peace.
- The commemoration served not only as a somber reflection of history but also as a call to action for European nations, echoing the message from the humble beginnings of the EU after the devastation of World War II—cooperation as a necessity to achieve unity and lasting peace.
