Appeals for peace on Remembrance Day in Kiel's state parliament
With appeals for peace, people in the north commemorated the victims of war and tyranny on Remembrance Day. The National Day of Mourning is an important occasion to remember that working for peace is a never-ending task, said Jette Waldinger-Thiering, Vice President of the state parliament, at a commemoration ceremony in Kiel. "Peace must be won again and again by every generation."
This bitter realization is particularly relevant at present. The Russian war of aggression against Ukraine and the attack by Palestinian terrorists on Israeli civilians have brought war and all its cruelty very forcefully to the forefront of European consciousness. "Many Jews are once again living in fear because violent extremists are openly spreading anti-Semitic hate slogans," said the parliamentary vice president. "Almost 80 years after the end of the Second World War, this is a frightening development in which we as democrats cannot remain inactive."
It is about learning the lessons of the past, applying them to the present and avoiding the historical mistakes of our shared European history for the future. "Let us not tire of continuing to build on what was started in Germany and Europe in 1945, the common house of peace, freedom and democracy, and keep filling it with new life."
Culture Minister Karin Prien (CDU) also emphasized in her speech: "The often quoted "never again" must not become an empty phrase." On this day of remembrance, it is important to look ahead and take responsibility not only for the past, but also for the future. "We want to commemorate the dead and convey this message to young people in particular: Democracy cannot be taken for granted. On the contrary, it is very vulnerable. That is why we must defend our democracy - in every place, at every time, in every generation anew."
The victims of war and tyranny are commemorated every year on Remembrance Day. The national day of remembrance - always two Sundays before the first Advent - has been celebrated in Germany since 1919, when it was introduced by the German War Graves Commission, which was founded in the same year. Originally, the aim was to show solidarity with the bereaved families of the victims of the First World War. Today, the Federal Republic of Germany commemorates all victims of war and tyranny.
The historical lessons from past wars, such as World War II, continue to be relevant in shaping our responses to current conflicts, like the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine. Furthermore, the recurring threat of war and hatred, as seen in the attacks by Palestinian terrorists, underscores the need for perpetual vigilance and commitment to peace.
Source: www.dpa.com
