European Parliament Commemorates 80th Anniversary of World War II's End
Ceremony honors veterans while emphasizing the ongoing commitment to peace amid current global tensions.
On Wednesday, the European Parliament commemorated the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II in Europe during a plenary ceremony attended by three war veterans.
The event underscored the importance of remembrance and the continuous pursuit of peace amidst contemporary conflicts.
European Parliament President Roberta Metsola highlighted the significance of the occasion, stating, "Eighty years after the guns fell silent across Europe, we honour the courage of those who fought, and the sacrifice of those who fell.
We remember not just the end of a war, but the birth of our Union." She emphasized that a true tribute to those who lost their lives in the conflict lies in the collective commitment to ensuring that such a war is never repeated.
European Council President António Costa expressed gratitude to the veterans for their sacrifices and reiterated the importance of unity among EU member states and their partners, especially in light of Russia's ongoing invasion of Ukraine.
He remarked, "Today, we cannot celebrate peace in peace," stressing that the respect and effort towards freedom remain vital for honoring those who fought for it decades ago.
The ceremony featured speeches from three veterans: Robert Chot, a 102-year-old Belgian who fought in the Battle of the Ardennes; Janusz Komorowski, a 96-year-old Polish veteran of the liberation of Poland; and Janusz Maksymowicz, a 95-year-old Polish participant in the Warsaw Uprising.
Chot reflected on the historical impact of war, stating, "80 years ago, the guns fell silent, bringing an end to a terrible battle that caused millions of deaths in Europe and elsewhere.
If today we are still living in peace, it is thanks to you and the countries you represent." He cautioned that peace remains fragile and urged the audience to take necessary actions to ensure its longevity.
Komorowski spoke about the struggles faced by Poles in their fight for freedom and the existence of the Polish nation during the war, recognizing the sacrifices made for the sake of other nations’ liberties.
He thanked the wartime generation and acknowledged the European Parliament's role as a protector of peace and democracy.
Maksymowicz emphasized that the fight for freedom continues in different forms, asserting that ideologies can still divide nations.
He declared, "Today we say with full conviction: community is strength," advocating for a united European identity that respects diverse traditions and cultures.
The ceremony concluded with a musical performance of the European anthem by a soprano accompanied by a string ensemble.
Prior to the plenary event, a flag-raising and wreath-laying ceremony took place outside the Parliament building in Strasbourg, attended by Presidents Metsola and Costa.
Audiovisual material from the commemorative events is available in the Parliament’s Multimedia Centre.
The event underscored the importance of remembrance and the continuous pursuit of peace amidst contemporary conflicts.
European Parliament President Roberta Metsola highlighted the significance of the occasion, stating, "Eighty years after the guns fell silent across Europe, we honour the courage of those who fought, and the sacrifice of those who fell.
We remember not just the end of a war, but the birth of our Union." She emphasized that a true tribute to those who lost their lives in the conflict lies in the collective commitment to ensuring that such a war is never repeated.
European Council President António Costa expressed gratitude to the veterans for their sacrifices and reiterated the importance of unity among EU member states and their partners, especially in light of Russia's ongoing invasion of Ukraine.
He remarked, "Today, we cannot celebrate peace in peace," stressing that the respect and effort towards freedom remain vital for honoring those who fought for it decades ago.
The ceremony featured speeches from three veterans: Robert Chot, a 102-year-old Belgian who fought in the Battle of the Ardennes; Janusz Komorowski, a 96-year-old Polish veteran of the liberation of Poland; and Janusz Maksymowicz, a 95-year-old Polish participant in the Warsaw Uprising.
Chot reflected on the historical impact of war, stating, "80 years ago, the guns fell silent, bringing an end to a terrible battle that caused millions of deaths in Europe and elsewhere.
If today we are still living in peace, it is thanks to you and the countries you represent." He cautioned that peace remains fragile and urged the audience to take necessary actions to ensure its longevity.
Komorowski spoke about the struggles faced by Poles in their fight for freedom and the existence of the Polish nation during the war, recognizing the sacrifices made for the sake of other nations’ liberties.
He thanked the wartime generation and acknowledged the European Parliament's role as a protector of peace and democracy.
Maksymowicz emphasized that the fight for freedom continues in different forms, asserting that ideologies can still divide nations.
He declared, "Today we say with full conviction: community is strength," advocating for a united European identity that respects diverse traditions and cultures.
The ceremony concluded with a musical performance of the European anthem by a soprano accompanied by a string ensemble.
Prior to the plenary event, a flag-raising and wreath-laying ceremony took place outside the Parliament building in Strasbourg, attended by Presidents Metsola and Costa.
Audiovisual material from the commemorative events is available in the Parliament’s Multimedia Centre.
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