Berlin Commemorates 80th Anniversary of WWII End

As the world marks the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, Berlin has launched a commemorative week filled with events aimed at honoring this pivotal moment in history. The observance will run from May 8 to May 11, featuring approximately 100 events including exhibitions, discussions, memorial ceremonies, guided tours, and concerts.

The commemoration kicks off on the morning of May 8, with a wreath-laying ceremony led by Berlin's Mayor, Kai Wegner, at Schulenburgring in Tempelhof. This site is historically significant, as it was where General Helmuth Weidling of the Wehrmacht signed the capitulation of Berlin to the Red Army on May 2, 1945. A plaque commemorating this event is located at the building, which was also the childhood home of former Mayor Michael Müller.

At 11:00 AM, an open-air exhibition titled "Endlich Frieden?!" will be inaugurated at the Brandenburg Gate. Later that evening, the Academy of Arts will premiere the oratorio "Befreiung," composed by Marc Sinan specifically for this occasion.

The end of the Second World War in Europe was officially marked by the surrender of the German Wehrmacht, which occurred on the night of May 8-9, 1945, in Karlshorst, in the presence of representatives from the USA, the UK, France, and the Soviet Union.

However, this year's observances are particularly delicate given the ongoing war in Ukraine. The Berlin Senate has decided not to invite any foreign officials to the official commemorative events, which includes not inviting representatives from Russia or Ukraine. This decision reflects the complexities of current geopolitical tensions, especially considering that soldiers from various ethnic groups within the Soviet Union fought in the Red Army that liberated Berlin from Nazi control.

The handling of Russian participation in commemorative activities has been a topic of considerable debate in Germany. Although the Senate has opted to exclude official Russian representatives from the events, there have been instances of the Russian ambassador attending similar commemorations elsewhere in the country.

The German Foreign Office had previously advised against the inclusion of Russian representatives, citing concerns that such attendance could be misused or linked to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

During the commemorative week, Berlin will collaborate with Brandenburg for joint remembrance activities. On May 4, the Mayor will meet with Holocaust survivors at the Sachsenhausen memorial. Following this, on May 5, he will engage in discussions with young participants about the lessons learned from the Second World War. A notable event will take place on May 7, when 103-year-old Holocaust survivor Margot Friedländer will share her experiences at a commemorative session.

The actual day of liberation, May 8, will be recognized as a public holiday in Berlin. Officials will lay a wreath at the Soviet War Memorial in Schönholzer Heide, although this event will not be open to the public. The Brandenburg Gate will be illuminated in honor of the anniversary, and President Frank-Walter Steinmeier will deliver remarks at a Bundestag-organized memorial event.

Berlin has chosen not to hold any official commemorative activities at the two other Soviet war memorials located in Treptower Park and Tiergarten. Various initiatives, however, plan to hold their own remembrance events in Treptower Park. There is speculation that the Russian ambassador may lay wreaths there on May 9, a date significant in Russia as it celebrates its victory over Nazi Germany.

Additionally, there are concerns regarding the potential appearance of the nationalist motorcycle club "Nachtwölfe," known for their provocative displays at previous commemorations. Their recent departure from Moscow has raised questions about their possible arrival in Berlin and participation in the events.

The Berlin police are preparing regulations for gatherings at the memorials, which may include restrictions on Russian flags and symbols, similar to measures taken in previous years.