European Day of Remembrance for Victims of Stalinism and Nazism

When did the European Day of Remembrance for Victims of Stalinism and Nazism start?

The first recorded date of European Day of Remembrance for Victims of Stalinism and Nazism being celebrated on August 23 was in the year 2008.

About European Day of Remembrance for Victims of Stalinism and Nazism Holiday

The European Day of Remembrance for Victims of Stalinism and Nazism (Black Ribbon Day) is a day of remembrance observed in many European countries to commemorate those killed or otherwise victims of totalitarian regimes particularly those in the former Soviet Union under Stalin, and the Holocaust during WWII under the Nazi regime. Initiated in 2009, it is observed every August 23rd.

On Black Ribbon Day, people gather in remembrance and reflect upon the millions of victims who suffered or were killed under Stalinism and Nazism, including many political prisoners, religious persons, deported people, dissidents, and victims of mass executions, such as those in the Katyn Massacre. August 23rd is significant as it is the day that Nazi Germany and the Soviet Union initiated their joint invasion of Poland during WWII. Ceremonies and wreath-laying services are held throughout the day, while people wear black ribbons to show their solidarity and remembrance of the victims.

European Day of Remembrance for Victims of Stalinism and Nazism

History and Origin

The European Day of Remembrance for Victims of Stalinism and Nazism was first proposed by the European Parliament in a resolution in January 2009, and was officially adopted on 23 October 2009. This day is a point of reflection for the victims of totalitarian regimes within Europe. It serves as an opportunity to remember those who were persecuted during Stalinist and Nazi rule and to contemplate the consequences of such regimes.

The day is also seen as a way to raise awareness of the need to preserve and promote peace and democracy, toleration and solidarity throughout Europe. The European Day of Remembrance for Victims of Stalinism and Nazism also serves as a way to remember the victims of the Holocaust and to serve as an act of repentance by those who stood by and let such atrocities occur.

Significance and Meaning

The European Day of Remembrance for Victims of Stalinism and Nazism is a meaningful day of remembrance throughout Europe. It is a reminder that we must never forget the past and should be vigilant in future so as not to repeat mistakes of the past. The day serves as an example of how democracies can be taken away and the dangers of allowing such totalitarian regimes to gain power. It is a reminder to work together to ensure that peace, democracy, and human rights are respected throughout Europe and the world.

The day also serves as a meaningful way to commemorate the suffering of those who were persecuted by the Stalinism and Nazism regimes. It is a day to pay homage to those who sacrificed their lives for a better future and to remember the victims, their families and their communities who were affected by these regimes.

Traditions and Celebrations

On the European Day of Remembrance for Victims of Stalinism and Nazism, events are held in various cities to commemorate the victims and honor their courage and resilience. There are memorials, exhibitions, lectures, films, and gatherings held throughout the day.

In most European countries, national leaders attend these events, paying tribute to the victims and their families. The Europe-wide memorial event is held annually in the Czech Republic, at the site of the former Nazi concentration camp at Terezin. In many countries, parliaments hold ceremonies, declaring the day an official memorial day in their country. This helps to further raise awareness about the need to preserve and promote peace and democratic principles, as well as acknowledging the victims of Stalinism and Nazism.

In some countries, special Masses are held to remember those who suffered during the Stalinist and Nazi rule. Many European countries commemorate the day with special ceremonies, memorials, and open-air exhibits. The European Union often holds a memorial event at its headquarters, and various non-governmental organizations also hold commemorative activities.

Geographical Spread

The European Day of Remembrance for Victims of Stalinism and Nazism is observed throughout Europe. The Baltic countries of Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania mark the day with special events and ceremonies. In Austria, the National Council has declared the day to be a permanent memorial day of the victims of Nazism. In countries like Bulgaria, France, Romania, Ukraine, and the United Kingdom, the day is marked with memorial services and events.

Modern Day Observations

The European Day of Remembrance for Victims of Stalinism and Nazism is an international day of observance. Every year, various activities are held throughout Europe to commemorate the victims and to raise awareness of the dangers of totalitarian regimes. The European Union Parliament has put forward a resolution to ensure that the events of this day are taught in classrooms around Europe, to educate future generations about the perils of totalitarianism.

The day is also observed through online social media, with more and more people each year sharing their thoughts and messages online in remembrance of those affected by Stalinism and Nazism. The aim is to create an active online dialogue to spread awareness and educate others about the dangers of these oppressive regimes.

Interesting Facts or Trivia

• The European Day of Remembrance for Victims of Stalinism and Nazism is the first European Union-wide memorial day

• It is celebrated on the 23rd of August, which is the same day as the 1939 signing of the Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact, which was an agreement between the Soviet Union and Nazi Germany to divide up Poland

• The European Parliament has encouraged member states to adopt the day as a national memorial day

• In 2008, the first-ever European commemoration was held in Terezin, in the Czech Republic

Conclusion

The European Day of Remembrance for Victims of Stalinism and Nazism serves as an important reminder of the dangers of totalitarian regimes and a call to continue working towards preserving and promoting democracy, peace, and human rights. It is a day to remember, reflect, and to never forget the injustices of the past so they will not be forgotten or repeated in the future.

How to Say "European Day of Remembrance for Victims of Stalinism and Nazism" In Different Languages?

Czech
Den Památce Obětí Stalinského a Nazi Totalitarianismu (cs-CZ)
German
Tag des Gedenkens an die Opfer von Stalinismus und Nationalsozialismus (de-DE)
Hebrew
יום הזיכרון לקורבנות הסטליניזם והנאציזם (he-IL)
Hungarian
Emléknap Az Áldozatok Sztálinizmus és Nazizmus (hu-HU)
Italian
Giorno del Ricordo per le Vittime del Stalinismo e del Nazismo (it-IT)
Polish
Europejski Dzień Pamięci Ofiar Stalina i Hitlera (pl-PL)
Romanian
Ziua Europeană a Reamintirii Victimelor Stalinismului și Nazismului (ro-RO)
Russian
Европейский день памяти жертв сталинизма и нацизма (ru-RU)
Slovak
Deň Pamiatky Obetí Stalinizmu a Nazizmu (sk-SK)
Slovenian
Evropski dan spomina za žrtve staljinizma in nacizma (sl-SI)
Spanish
Día Europeo de Recuerdo a las Víctimas del Estalinismo y el Nazismo (es-ES)
European Day of Remembrance for Victims of Stalinism and Nazism Also Called
Black Ribbon Day or Day of Remembrance for Victims of Communism and Nazis.
Countries where "European Day of Remembrance for Victims of Stalinism and Nazism" is celebrated:

FUN FACT:
In year 2008, European Day of Remembrance for Victims of Stalinism and Nazism is celebrated on August 23 for the first time.

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