“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. The most powerful tribute to those who sacrificed their lives in this war lies not only in remembrance, but in resolve. In our determination to stand together and say, clearly and firmly: never again,” EP President Metsola said.
European Council President António Costa thanked the veterans for their “sacrifice and commitment to peace”, regretting that, today, “we cannot celebrate peace in peace”, after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Mr Costa encouraged the EU member states and their partners to stay united in the face of the Russian aggressor, as the best way to pay homage to those who gave their lives 80 years ago defending freedom. Finally, he reminded European citizens that “peace is a heritage, but also a responsibility”.
Speeches by veterans of war
Three veterans of the war – Mr Robert Chot, a 102-year-old Belgian veteran of the Battle of the Ardennes; Mr Janusz Komorowski a Polish veteran of the liberation of Poland and now 96 years old; and Mr Janusz Maksymowicz, also Polish and now 95 years old, who participated in the Warsaw Uprising – addressed MEPs.
Belgian war veteran Robert Chot said: “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”. Peace is always uncertain, he added. “There are always clouds hanging over us. Let us do what is necessary to ensure that peace endures in Europe”, he declared.
Mr Janusz Komorowski talked about the difficult destiny of Poles who were fighting for freedom and independence and for the right of the Polish nation to exist, in Poland, abroad and during the Warsaw uprising in 1944. “They gave their lives for the freedom of other nations too, in the hope that the brutal force of the peace wreckers would be broken forever. Today, I want to thank that wartime generation, but also the European Parliament for becoming a beacon of peace, freedom and democracy, and for steadfastly defending these values”, he concluded.
Mr Janusz Maksymowicz stressed that the fight for freedom and values had clearly not ended but had taken on new forms. “We know how ruthless ideologies that divide people and nations can be. That is why today we say with full conviction: community is strength. A community of nations that respects the European traditions and cultures of all people who want to live in peace.”
The ceremony was brought to a close with a musical performance of the European anthem by a soprano accompanied by a string ensemble.
Ahead of the plenary event, Presidents Metsola and Costa attended a flag raising and wreath laying ceremony outside of the Parliament building in Strasbourg.
Find audiovisual material of all commemorative events in Parliament’s Multimedia Centre.
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