Anti-war day: Bremerhaven remembers the victims, Bremen demonstrates!

Anti-war day: Bremerhaven remembers the victims, Bremen demonstrates!

September 1, 2025 is a day of remembrance and warning in Bremen. A moving memorial event took place in Bremerhaven at midday, at which the German Trade Union Confederation (DGB) and the German War Graves Commission laid a wreath at the memorial in front of the Great Church. The occasion was Anti-War Day, which has been officially celebrated since 1957 to commemorate the horrors of the Second World War and to draw attention to the dangers of war and militarization. Buten and within reports that, in addition to the wreath-laying ceremony, there was also a demonstration in Bremen that focused on the issues of conscription and the consequences of war.

With more than 200,000 deaths worldwide due to conflicts, most of which are in Ukraine and the Middle East, the DGB is sharpening the debate about a peace and security order within the framework of the United Nations. In this context, the DGB refers to the principles of the sovereign equality of states and human rights, which significantly led to the founding of the UN 80 years ago. DGB Stresses that it is time to strengthen diplomatic initiatives and end the arms race.

Current events and demands

Today's memorial event and the accompanying activities are part of a broader range of activities planned in Bremen. The Bremen Refugee Council organized a demonstration that evening at 6:30 p.m. that dealt with the humanitarian consequences of wars and military build-up. This shows that the issue of peace is not only a historical consideration, but also a current, urgent reality. The demands for disarmament and a clear commitment to a peace policy are louder than ever.

In a broader context, the debate about the reintroduction of military service is addressed, which is seen by many as a step backwards towards militaristic tendencies. The federal elections are just around the corner, and political positions on this issue are important for citizens' voting decisions.

The meaning of Anti-War Day

Anti-War Day, which goes back to the founding campaign of the German Peace Society, uses the historic September 1st to remember the atrocities of war and to stand up for a peace policy in the long term. The idea of ​​such a memorial day goes back to the 19th century and has been revived again and again over time. How Wikipedia explains, the anti-war day was launched by the DGB, one year after the reintroduction of compulsory military service in Germany.

In view of the global conflicts and the rhetoric between the major powers, the DGB not only calls for a strengthening of defense capabilities in Germany and Europe, but also a return to the values ​​of the UN Charter. Arms spending that comes at the expense of social concerns not only damages defense capability, but also the stability of democracy.

In a time marked by uncertainty, the voice for peace and cooperation remains essential. Today's Anti-War Day reminds us that avoiding future conflicts never requires enough weapons, but always enough understanding and diplomacy.