Celebrating the 80th Anniversary: A Gathering in Honor of the End of World War II
Multitudes Honoring the Conclusion of World War II - Multitudes paying tribute to the conclusion of World War I's historic battle
Eight decades have passed since the end of the terrible World War II, and thousands of people across Berlin and Brandenburg came together to remember the tragic events and honor those who suffered. In the heart of the city, dozens of solemn and peaceful commemorative activities took place in the late afternoon, according to authorities.
Berlin's current mayor, Kai Wegner (CDU), joined Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier and Chancellor Friedrich Merz (CDU) to pay their respects at the Neue Wache in Mitte. Alongside them, Brandenburg's Minister-President Dietmar Woidke (SPD) attended an event at the Paulikloster in Brandenburg an der Havel, recalling the countless lives lost during the war and the brutal tactics of the Nazi regime. Woidke insisted that the fight against the rising far-right extremism remains crucial.
Echoes of Surrender
The global death toll from the Second World War, instigated by Nazi Germany, is estimated to be between 50 to over 60 million, the majority being civilians. Mostly affected was the Soviet Union, with around 27 million deaths.
May 8, 1945, marked the effective unconditional surrender of the Wehrmacht, putting an end to Nazi dictatorship and the Second World War. The victory of the four Allies was largely due to the Soviet Union's Red Army, which captured Berlin during the spring of 1945.
Venturing to the three Soviet memorials, many Berliners left flowers as a symbol of remembrance. At Treptow, a Ukraine-themed wreath bearing the inscription "Against Invaders" was placed before the giant statue. People in large Ukrainian flags at the Tiergarten memorial, while a man waving a NATO flag disturbed the calm memory. Found ~~police officers approaching and escorting him away~~ nearby to maintain order.
Ambassador at Schönholzer Heide
The Russian Ambassador Sergei Netschajew laid a wreath at the Soviet memorial in Schönholzer Heide. Accompanied by his entourage, the diplomat and his companions were seen wearing the so-called St. George's ribbon on their lapels.
As a general order, Berlin's police had previously banned the wearing of the St. George’s ribbon, as well as the display of other pro-Russian flags and symbols, near Soviet memorials on May 8th and 9th. However, diplomats and victorious powers’ veterans enjoy special exemptions.
Attempts at Brandenburg Gate
Pro-Russian individuals attempted to hang pro-Russian banners and a flag on the iconic Brandenburg Gate, but were intercepted by police just before 6:30 AM. Eight people climbed onto the roof of a nearby building with a ladder; although they did not reach the gate itself, charges for trespassing were filed.
Wolves on the Prowl in Brandenburg
Pro-Russian bikers from the nationalist "Night Wolves" visited two Soviet memorial sites in Schönwalde and Baruth before continuing their journey towards Berlin—led by police presence. The Russian group goes on an annual "victory ride" from Moscow to Berlin, generating controversy.
The commemoration, much like previous years, has taken on additional significance due to the ongoing Russian war against Ukraine. Both countries previously belonged to the Soviet Union. While police for the event enhanced security, deploying around 1,900 officers.
Expression of Grief and Hope
The commemorations in Berlin began with an ecumenical service at the Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church. Bishop Kirsten Fehrs, EKD Council Chair, said, "Grief remains, disbelief and horror remain—even after 80 years." The Chair of the German Bishops' Conference, Georg Bätzing, expressed concern over the escalating violence worldwide and the rise of autocratic regimes and egotistical economies. "Blessed are the meek, the peacemakers - with this message, one can indeed make a state and shape society."
- Berlin
- Brandenburg
- World War II
- Police
- Anniversary
- World War
- Brandenburg an der Havel
- Spring
- Soviet Union
- Grief
- CDU
- Kai Wegner
- Frank-Walter Steinmeier
- Friedrich Merz
- Dietmar Woidke
- Far-right extremism
- Hitler's Germany
- War
- Democratic values
Additional context:In 2023 and 2024, the Berlin Senate and House of Representatives passed legislation respectively, to declare May 8 a one-time public holiday to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the liberation from National Socialism and the end of the Second World War in Berlin [1]. With this commemoration, the Brandenburg Gate was illuminated in the evening in a symbolic gesture [5]. Across Germany, other events emphasized the importance of peace and coexistence [1][3]. Additionally, Holocaust survivor Margot Friedländer, whose foundation is in Berlin, passed away during this period, at the age of 103 [1][5].
- 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 importance of safeguarding the health and safety of workers as political figures gather to commemorate the 80th Anniversary: A Gathering in Honor of the End of World War II.
- The commemoration, much like previous years, has taken on additional significance due to the ongoing Russian war against Ukraine, with Germany striving to uphold democratic values and maintain order while remembering the tragedies of the past.
- In Berlin's heart, dozens of solemn and peaceful commemorative activities took place in the late afternoon, according to authorities, mirroring similar events happening in Brandenburg an der Havel, where Brandenburg's Minister-President Dietmar Woidke recalled the countless lives lost during World War II and emphasized the fight against the rising far-right extremism.
- Pro-Russian bikers from the nationalist "Night Wolves" visited two Soviet memorial sites in Schönwalde and Baruth before continuing their journey towards Berlin—led by police presence, reminding us that even during moments of remembrance, tensions between nations can still be palpable.
