Schwerin (dpa/mv) - With a commemoration on the day of national mourning, the state parliament of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania commemorated the victims of war and violence in Germany and the world on Sunday. "Responsibility and obligation arise from the horrors of the past century - for each of us. Peace can never be taken for granted. We have been painfully aware of this every day since February of this year," said Prime Minister Manuela Schwesig (SPD). For a long time it was unimaginable that there would be war in the middle of Europe again, "but it is the reality in which we live in 2022".
Russia broke the peace by attacking Ukraine. "Bombs and rockets are destroying towns and villages. People are being killed, injured and displaced. Our thoughts are also with Ukraine today. We all wish that there will be lasting peace for them soon," said the Prime Minister. She thanked all people "who are committed to understanding, to peace, who stand up against hate and hate speech, who stand up for cohesion and for others".
Everyone deserves to live in peace, said State President Birgit Hesse. It is therefore important to bring young people closer to the value of common remembrance and reconciliation. "So that there can be a life in peace, we have to sensitize young people. Our commemoration today also serves this purpose. The day of national mourning is an important symbol and ritual in the best sense of the word, to bring young people closer to the value of common remembrance and reconciliation."
In addition to members of parliament, members of the state government and representatives of the state police, the armed forces and other institutions, members of the German War Graves Commission took part in the commemoration.
