V-E Day, signifying the end of World War II in Europe, was a joy-filled day 80 years ago. The 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day should be equally joyous. After all, 80 years without war on the continent is cause for celebration.
80th Anniversary of V-E Day
While countries across Europe are celebrating extensively, there is no escaping some unease. The current conflict on the eastern edge of the continent has been raging for over 3 years already.
Talking about peace and unity in this age of growing autocracy is not that straightforward. The disintegration of Yugoslavia has largely been overlooked to fit the “long peace” narrative. In contrast, ignoring the act of aggression on the scale seen in Ukraine is much harder.
Peace under threat
Ukraine is fighting for freedom, sovereignty and democracy, just like the combined Allied forces did 8 decades ago. Far-right forces gaining traction within Europe are putting additional pressure on democratic principles. In addition, recent events even created the feeling that the NATO security blanket has been reduced to a rag.
Celebrating this 80th anniversary without considering the frailty of peace would be foolish. Similarly, consigning WW2 to history as another long-time-ago event misses the lessons it holds for the threat to democracy and freedom today.
Keeping 80-year old events relevant today
The celebration of V-E Day gives space to positive messages and unity. Usually, most of the attention goes to the rise of anti-democratic forces and divisive policies.
It is up to all of us to keep giving a voice to democratic principles and shared values. While European leaders of formerly enemy states are bonding during large scale commemorations, many smaller events have taken place over the last year. Those small occasions offer great opportunities for dialogue and remembering though.
In Germany
Most recently, we were fortunate to attend the inauguration of a monument dedicated to the 522nd FAB. It stands where they encountered one of the Death Marches from Dachau near the town of Waakirchen.
Apart from offering recognition for the role the Nisei played in the rescue of the survivors on the march, the new monument offers a great talking point. A local family stopping by to have a closer look offers the perfect illustration. As a history teacher, mom will include the story of the 522nd in the 9th graders’ preparation for their field trip to Dachau.
In Italy
Just last month we remembered the 80th anniversary of the breaking of the Gothic Line. To honour one of the soldiers who fell on the first day of the assault on the defensive system, local historians cleared the trails on Florida and Georgia hills and added signs to defensive positions. The information panels will provide useful information for other hikers in the future.
On the occasion of the 80th anniversary of the battle for Hill 140 last July, the addition of information panels explain the events that led to the liberation of Castellina Marittima. The one by the side of the main road provides easy access to entice passers-by to stop.
In France
In remembrance of the presence of the 100th/442nd in the south of France during the winter months of 1944, a street in L’Escarene was renamed for the unit. The roaring reception provided by the kids at the local school for the visiting families showed that the importance of fighting for freedom from oppressive rule is passed on to the next generations.
In the Vosges, the people of Bruyeres and Biffontaine turned out in great numbers for the traditional 5-yearly commemoration of the battles fought in the region. The opening of a permanent museum in Bruyeres again offers an opportunity to dig deeper into the history.
What will the next V-E Day look like?
Only time will tell whether the next “big” anniversary of V-E Day will be a celebration or a subdued affair if things keep moving in the direction they are at the moment.
V-E Day followed a horrible time of war, persecution, loss of liberty and death for millions of people. Current generations without first-hand memory may not be aware of the dangers creeping up on democracy most of us have taken for granted.
Initiatives like those mentioned above may not equal V-E Day celebrations in scale, but they do offer ongoing remembrance. While we have that, undemocratic forces will have to work that much harder to erase the lessons from the past.
For that, we owe thanks to all of those that were the driving forces to make them happen. We also owe it to them to help them spread the stories.