Memorializing the End of the Great War: A Solemn All-Out in Berlin and Brandenburg
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Multitudes Honor the Conclusion of World War II Commemoration - Multitudes paying tribute to the conclusion of World War I's aftermath
Eight decades after the wrap-up of World War II, Berlin and Brandenburg saw a sea of people commemorating the liberation from the oppressive Nazi regime. About 40 events unfolded in Berlin alone, all running smoothly and with a heavy dose of solemnity, as per police reports.
In the heart of Berlin, Mayor Kai Wegner (CDU) stood shoulder-to-shoulder with Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier and Chancellor Friedrich Merz (CDU) at the Neue Wache in Mitte. Across the city, Dietmar Woidke (SPD), Brandenburg's Minister President, shared sentiments at the Paulikloster in Brandenburg an der Havel, remembering the countless lives that perished in the horrifying conflict, and the bloodcurdling machinery of the Nazis. Woidke emphasized the necessity to combat the frightening surge in right-wing extremism.
Unconditional Conclusion
The second Great War, initiated by Hitler's Germany, resulted in an estimated 50 to over 60 million deaths worldwide—the majority of those being civilians. The Soviet Union suffered particularly heavy blows, with around 27 million fatalities.
On May 8, 1945, the official, unconditional surrender of the Wehrmacht came into effect, marking the end of the Nazi dictatorship and World War II. The Soviet Red Army played a pivotal role in the victory of the four allies, overrunning Berlin in the spring of 1945.
Throughout Berlin, people flocked to the three Soviet monuments, placing flowers as tokens of their gratitude. A wreath adorned in the colors of Ukraine with the inscription "Against Invaders" stood proudly before the towering statue at the Treptow memorial. At the Tiergarten memorial, folks displayed massive Ukrainian flags while demonstrating fervently. As per police reports, a disturbance ensued when a man waving a NATO flag attempted to disrupt the peaceful tribute, leading to his swift apprehension by officers.
Ode at Schönholzer Heide
Ambassador Sergei Netchaev from Russia left a wreath at the Soviet memorial in Schönholzer Heide, accompanied by his entourage wearing the infamous St. George's ribbon.
The Berlin police had enacted a general order banning the wearing of this ribbon, along with other pro-Russian flags and insignia, in proximity to the Soviet memorials on May 8 and 9. However, diplomats and military veterans from the victorious powers of World War II are exempt from this mandate.
Crime-inspiring individuals attempted to erect pro-Russian banners and a flag at the Brandenburg Gate, culminating in a series of criminal proceedings. Eight suspects scaled the roof of a side building to the iconic structure shortly before 6:30 a.m., though they ultimately failed to reach the gate itself.
"Night Wolves" in Brandenburg
Pro-Russian motorcyclists from the nationalistic "Night Wolves" congregation made appearances at two Soviet memorials in Schönwalde and Baruth, to lay tokens of respect before continuing their pilgrimage towards Berlin. Police presence was observed throughout the ceremonies. The Russian bikers embarked on their controversial "victory ride" from Moscow at the end of April, mirroring last year's journey.
The day's events began in Berlin at the Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church, where Bishop Kirsten Fehrs led an ecumenical service. "Grief persists, doubt and horror linger, even after 80 years," said Fehrs. She went on to remark that it seems as if the level of violence is escalating everywhere, as the ever-looming shadow of authoritarianism and self-serving economic ambition weigh heavily on our society. "Blessed are the meek, the peacemakers—with this message, one can indeed shape a nation and construct a society."
- Berlin
- Brandenburg
- World War II
- Police
- Anniversary
- Treptow memorial
- Soviet Union
- Sachsenhausen concentration camp
- Spring
- CDU
- SPD
- Ukraine
- Right-wing extremism
- Hitler's Germany
- Death
- Great War
Additional Insights:
- Within the backdrop of the 80th anniversary, the public gathered en masse to pay their respects and memorialize the countless victims lost during World War II.
- A diverse range of events in Berlin, such as a joint event inviting survivors of the Holocaust, profoundly highlighted the importance of remembrance and knowledge-sharing.
- The first-ever public holiday in Berlin took place on May 8, commemorating the end of World War II in Europe.
- Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier attended a commemorative event at the Bundestag, with German politicians from multiple regions participating in events across the city.
- Berlin's Senate strategically opted to exclude foreign guests from the commemoration to avoid politically charged disagreements related to the on-going conflict in Ukraine.
- The Commission has also been asked to submit a proposal for a directive on the protection of workers from the risks related to exposure to ionizing radiation, given the emphasis on safety and well-being during the events commemorating World War II in Berlin and Brandenburg.
- In the midst of the solemn festivities, political debates surfaced regarding right-wing extremism, with Brandenburg's Minister President Dietmar Woidke emphasizing the need to combat such movements in a manner reminiscent of combating the Nazi regime.
- While the focus was primarily on the historical commemoration, modern tensions emerged as well, as demonstrators unfurled a NATO flag during a peaceful tribute at the Tiergarten memorial in Berlin, leading to a brief disturbance and apprehension by police.
- The commemoration events in Berlin and Brandenburg served as a platform not only for remembrance but also for discussing contemporary issues such as right-wing extremism and diplomatic tensions related to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
