President Steinmeier recalled the horrific crimes of Nazism, the millions of victims, and the suffering caused by the war. He expressed deep gratitude for the Allied forces and European resistance movements that liberated the continent, while condemning the Kremlin’s manipulation of historical narratives to justify its aggression against Ukraine. This event was a reminder of the devastating consequences of unchecked authoritarianism.

In her speech, Bundestag President Julia Klöckner emphasized the need to
remember not only the atrocities of the war but also the specific suffering of women
who were victims of sexual violence during the conflict. She also highlighted the

importance of keeping the memory of May 8 alive in a world increasingly threatened
by new forms of historical revisionism and hatred. This date, she warned, is under
growing challenge as history is distorted for political gain.

The ceremonies were held in several locations, such as the Dachau Concentration
Camp Memorial Site, where Klöckner, alongside other officials, paid tribute to the victims of Nazi persecution. On May 4, former Bundestag Vice President Petra Pau
(The Left) laid a wreath in remembrance of the victims at the Ravensbrück Women’s
Concentration Camp.

Pau also attended the Belower Wald Memorial, remembering the victims of the forced marches from Sachsenhausen. These commemorations highlighted the continued relevance of historical education in combating extremism.

The event combined speeches, music, and testimonies from young people, emphasizing the need to remain vigilant against the forces of extremism. Both Steinmeier and Klöckner reaffirmed that May 8 should not be seen merely as a day of remembrance but as a continued call to protect democracy and human dignity, a message that resonates powerfully in the context of current global conflicts, particularly in Ukraine.

• https://www.bundestag.de/8-mai https://www.bundestag.de/8-mai