Commemorating the End of War: Berlin Stands for Freedom and Democracy - "Be Human"
Honoring the End of World War II in Berlin - Call to Protect Democracy - Reminders of the Post-War Era Filled Berlin - "Upholding Democracy"
On the 80th anniversary of the end of the war, Berlin's Mayor Kai Wegner (CDU) urged the city to learn from the horrors of the Nazi era and stand firmly for freedom, democracy, and human dignity. This significant day, May 8, 1945, was a liberation, as former Federal President Richard von Weizsäcker described it in his iconic speech to the Bundestag in 1985. However, it also serves as a stark reminder, said Wegner, during a memorial event in the Red City Hall hosted by the state of Berlin.
History must never fade from our memory, and the atrocities and the Holocaust must remain a part of our collective consciousness. "It's our responsibility to never forget. It's our responsibility to ensure that history does not repeat itself," stressed Wegner. "It's our responsibility to stand up for democracy and defend it against enemies within and without." For peace and democracy are not guaranteed even in Germany – today, democracy faces pressure.
The end of World War II in Europe
The surrender of the German Wehrmacht in 1945 marked the end of World War II. Field Marshal Wilhelm Keitel signed the corresponding document in the early hours of May 9, 1945, in the building that now houses the Berlin-Karlshorst Museum, in the presence of representatives from the victorious powers – the USA, Great Britain, France, and the Soviet Union.
Wegner acknowledged the role of the Soviet Red Army, who were the first Allied forces to reach Berlin. Their soldiers deserve our gratitude for liberating Berlin from the grip of Nazi tyranny. "But we do not forget that Putin and the Russian army have invaded Ukraine, and Europe is once again at war," Berlin affirmed its solidarity with its partner city, Kyiv, and all Ukrainians.
A guilty verdict and liberation
"The atrocities committed by the Nazi regime and the human destruction caused were as undeniable as Germany's guilt in starting World War II," said Cornelia Seibeld, President of the Berlin House of Representatives. "Germany's total defeat was inevitable due to the invasions of our neighbors and Germany's criminal actions. Only with the liberation of Europe from German rule could the liberation of the Germans also take place."
The event featured a heartfelt appearance by Holocaust survivor Margot Friedländer, the 103-year-old honorary citizen of Berlin. In a soft voice, she shared excerpts from her book "Versuche, dein Leben zu machen" (Try to Make Your Life), describing the moments of her personal liberation in 1945 in the Theresienstadt ghetto.
"The gate is open, for the first time it is open. There's no guard left, no one can stop me from leaving. Still, I just stand there. Am I dreaming? Can it be true that I have survived? Cautiously, I take a few steps, out onto the street. I don't want to go away. I just want to see if it's true that I can go out without being shot." Friedländer recounted her liberation along with her later husband, Adolf, an experience they would never forget.
May we always be human
At the conclusion of her reading, Friedländer offered a poignant warning to the gathered guests. "Please be human!" All present stood in silence for two and a half minutes. Later, Wegner presented Friedländer with a bouquet of flowers, knelt down next to her, who was seated in a wheelchair, and spoke privately with her. "I am proud that you are our honorary citizen," he then declared to the audience.
Additional Insights:
- The Brandenburg Gate was illuminated with the first sentence of the Basic Law, emphasizing the importance of upholding human dignity and standing up for freedom, democracy, and human rights.
- The commemoration included a series of events such as exhibitions, discussions, and ceremonies to encourage public reflection on the past.
- 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, particularly in the connection of the liberation of Berlin and the end of World War II.
- While commemorating the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II in Europe, General-news was shared about Field Marshal Wilhelm Keitel's surrender of the German Wehrmacht in 1945 to the victorious powers, including the Soviet Red Army, who were the first Allied forces to reach Berlin.
- Politics surrounding the event included Berlin's solidarity with its partner city, Kyiv, and all Ukrainians, as Europe is once again at war due to the Russian army's invasion of Ukraine.
- During the event, former General-news releases were recalled about the atrocities committed by the Nazi regime and the human destruction caused, and the expression "Please be human" was said by Holocaust survivor Margot Friedländer, urging everyone to remain compassionate and uphold human dignity.
