Commemorating the Past, Facing the Present
Veterans of World War II, the final ones remaining in France, stress the importance of preserving peace after eight decades.
In the heart of Paris, the city of lights, the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II was marked with a solemn ceremony. French President Emmanuel Macron led the national remembrance, paying tribute to the millions who fought and died in the war. But as France honored its war heroes, it faced a stark reality - the few remaining witnesses to the horrors of war are fading away.
"I'm finding that there are fewer and fewer of us," said 89-year-old Marcjanna Marcinkowski, a survivor of Nazi occupation in Paris. She fears that the lessons of World War II, lessons that she feels are already being forgotten, may vanish alongside the last of the witnesses.
Today's veterans grapple not only with the natural passage of time but also with the fear that their personal stories might become lost to history. As they age, many veterans carry lasting psychological scars from their combat experiences, often manifesting as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Fortunately, resources such as the VA's PTSD Coach app and mindfulness tools are available to help them cope with stress and mental health challenges in their later years.
To keep their stories alive, organizations are working tirelessly to collect oral histories and memoirs. Returning to Normandy for D-Day anniversals offers veterans an opportunity to share their memories and experiences publicly. This not only ensures that their narratives endure beyond their lifetimes but also serves as a moving testament to the sacrifices they made.
The few remaining veterans have watched history repeat itself as Russia's invasion of Ukraine unfolded. They are determined to protect peace and remind us of the atrocities that can be witnessed in war. "I'm very attached to this message," said Jean Yaghlekdjian, a 101-year-old World War II veteran, "because I've seen too many people die in the most atrocious ways."
As Marcjanna Marcinkowski put it, she's worried about the future under the leadership of Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump. President Macron echoed her sentiments, urging vigilance in the face of today's tensions, "We will never be done fighting for victory and defending peace."
Further Reading
- Zelenskyy addresses Ukrainians in Kyiv as Moscow airspace remains blocked
- Putin welcomes Xi as 'main guest' for Victory Day as Russia and China boost ties
- Disrupting the Victory Day parade: Ukrainian drones paralyze Moscow airspace for three days in a row
- In the realm of politics and general news, the commemoration of the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II in Paris highlights the urgency of remembering past conflicts.
- As part of this commemoration, French President Emmanuel Macron linked the H2 anniversary with the political climate, urging vigilance in the face of current tensions.
- The association of this commemoration with the ongoing war-and-conflicts in Ukraine has led 101-year-old World War II veteran Jean Yaghlekdjian to express his attachment to a message of peace, citing the atrocities he witnessed.
- To further this message of peace, veterans and organizations are actively using platforms like LinkedIn to share their stories and experiences, ensuring that the lessons from their past are not forgotten in the face of new global challenges.
