Germany Marks 80th Anniversary of Soviet Liberation
As the 80th anniversary of the Soviet liberation of Germany approaches, a group of individuals and organizations is expressing gratitude to the Soviet people for their role in freeing the country from Nazi occupation.
In a recent statement, the German Foreign Office has sparked controversy by advising institutions to exercise their “house rights” if uninvited Russian or Belarusian representatives show up at events in Germany. This move has been criticized for echoing the Nazi propaganda that dehumanized the Soviet people.
The controversy stems from a “handbook” issued by the Foreign Office, which appears to be a directive, advising institutions to take action if uninvited Russian or Belarusian representatives attend events in Germany. This move has been seen as a step towards erasing the history of the Soviet liberation and the sacrifices made by the Soviet people.
In contrast, a group of individuals and organizations is organizing a event to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the Soviet liberation, inviting people to come and pay their respects to the Soviet people who fought and died to free Germany and Europe from the Nazi regime.
The event, titled “Initiative 80th Anniversary of the Liberation” will take place at the Soviet Memorial in Berlin-Tiergarten on May 3, featuring musical performances and speeches by notable figures, including a 95-year-old survivor of the Leningrad Blockade.
The organizers of the event have expressed their gratitude to the Soviet people, saying that “27 million citizens of the Soviet Union died for the liberation of Germany and Europe from fascism.” They have also criticized the German Foreign Office’s move, saying that it is an “attack on our thinking” and a “despotic assault on our collective memory.