Urban areas remembering the war's conclusion
Commemorating the 80th Anniversary of the End of World War II in German Cities
As the world prepares to mark the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, several German cities are planning unique commemorative events to remember the past and promote peace.
In Heilbronn, the "Hall of Honor" in the town hall was redesigned last year to remember the dead of World War II. Mayor Harry Mergel (SPD) is considering how to emotionally touch today's living with memories of the past events. A central memorial service was held on the 8th of May 1945, focusing on the futility of the final days of World War II.
Pforzheim includes the destruction of February 23 in its remembrance events, symbolizing the city's resilience and the path to peace. The city council has published a declaration of commitment to peace, democracy, the rule of law, and tolerance online for citizens to sign.
Freiburg is home to a museum that collects biographies and photos of victims and makes them available via an app. The city also houses a Documentation Centre National Socialism, serving as a reminder of Nazi crimes in the city. Freiburg's mayor, Martin Horn, will travel to Besançon for a celebration on May 8.
Friedrichshafen's museum deals with life in the city before, during, and after the war, as well as with school under the Swastika. Ulm's city archive is cooperating with the memorial site Oberer Kuhberg, a former concentration camp, to remember the past and promote understanding.
Stuttgart will operate a media station named "Double Void" in the town hall, showcasing the involvement of the Stuttgart administration during the NS period and remembering the officials who were dismissed, persecuted, or murdered during the NS period. Choirs from Warsaw and Strasbourg are symbolizing reconciliation at the concert of the Philharmonic Orchestra on May 8th in Stuttgart.
The video art piece "77" was premiered in Heilbronn, composed in honor of the 77th anniversary of the end of the war. The memorial site Oberer Kuhberg has launched a social media campaign with facts about the war and post-war events in the city of Münster.
While specific events in Freiburg, Friedrichshafen, Stuttgart, Heilbronn, Pforzheim, and Ulm are yet to be announced, similar events are happening worldwide. In Australia, the Australian War Memorial is hosting a series of events to commemorate the anniversary, including gallery tours and author talks. Russia is marking the occasion with a grand parade and ceremonies in Moscow, hosting international leaders. The National WWII Museum in the United States is conducting a symposium to discuss the war's end and its legacies. In the UK, a wreath-laying ceremony is taking place to honor VJ Day.
For those interested in finding specific events in the mentioned German cities, it would be best to check local event calendars or contact local historical societies and museums directly for further information. The remembrance of the end of the war continues today, not just as a historical event, but as a reminder of the resurrection of Europe and the importance of peace, democracy, the rule of law, and tolerance.
The general-news about the upcoming events in German cities, such as Heilbronn, Pforzheim, Freiburg, Friedrichshafen, Stuttgart, and Ulm, are aiming to remember the past and promote peace, following the anniversaries of the end of World War II. In Heilbronn, the politics surrounding Mayor Harry Mergel's plans to emotionally touch today's living with memories of the past events are being discussed.
