European Day of Remembrance for Victims of Stalinism and Nazism

Every August 23rd, we pause to remember. It’s the European Day of Remembrance for Victims of Stalinism and Nazism, a day that holds a mirror up to our past and asks us to reflect on the darker chapters of our history. But why this particular date? And why is it so important that we keep this memory alive?

The Day That Changed Everything

It’s August 23, 1939. Two men shake hands, and with that simple gesture, they redraw the map of Europe. This wasn’t just any handshake – it was the signing of the Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact between Nazi Germany and the Soviet Union.

Now, you might be thinking, “What’s the big deal about a bit of paper?” Well, let me tell you, this wasn’t just any agreement. This pact was like a pair of scissors, cutting Europe into pieces and deciding who got which slice. And the consequences? They were devastating.

The Hidden Clauses

Here’s where it gets really interesting – and by interesting, I mean horrifying. The pact had secret protocols that divided Eastern Europe into German and Soviet “spheres of influence”. Imagine that – entire countries and peoples being divvied up like slices of cake at a particularly sinister tea party.

Poland, the Baltic states, and parts of Romania – all were on the menu. And the people living in these areas? They had no idea what was coming.

When the World Turned Upside Down

In the wake of this pact, lives were turned upside down. People were yanked from their homes, families were torn apart, and communities were shattered. We’re talking about mass deportations, murders, and enslavements – the kind of stuff that keeps you up at night.

The Human Cost

Let’s put some faces to these events, shall we? Imagine you’re a Polish schoolteacher, waking up one day to find your country carved up between two powerful neighbours. Or a Lithuanian farmer, suddenly told you’re being “relocated” to Siberia. Or a Jewish family in Latvia, watching as your neighbours turn against you overnight.

These weren’t just bad decisions or unfortunate events. No, these were war crimes and crimes against humanity. And here’s the kicker – under international law, there’s no expiration date on these crimes. They don’t just fade away with time.

Why We Remember

Now, you might be wondering, “Why dwell on such a gloomy past?” Well, here’s the thing – remembering isn’t about wallowing in misery. It’s about learning, healing, and making sure we don’t repeat the same mistakes.

This day is like a bridge. On one side, we have the memories of totalitarian regimes and their crimes. On the other, we have the idea of European integration – a model of peace and reconciliation. By crossing this bridge, we’re saying, “We remember, and we’re committed to doing better.”

The Power of Memory

Think about it like this: memory is a tool. It’s a compass that helps us navigate the present and chart a course for the future. When we remember the victims of Stalinism and Nazism, we’re not just honouring the dead – we’re making a statement about the kind of world we want to live in.

More Than Just Stalinism and Nazism

While the day’s name specifically mentions Stalinism and Nazism, it’s not just about these two regimes. It’s a day to remember all totalitarian and authoritarian regimes. Think of it as a big umbrella, covering a wide range of historical experiences.

The Broader Context

Let’s zoom out a bit. The 20th century saw a parade of totalitarian regimes march across Europe and beyond. Fascist Italy, Franco’s Spain, and the military junta in Greece – each left its trail of victims and survivors.

And let’s be clear – history isn’t always black and white. There are different interpretations and different perspectives. This day acknowledges that complexity. It’s not about pointing fingers or playing the blame game. It’s about understanding our shared past in all its nuances.

Making It Official

In 2009, the European Parliament put their stamp on this day. They adopted a resolution on European Conscience and Totalitarianism, making the European Day of Remembrance for Victims of Stalinism and Nazism official across Europe. It was like saying, “This matters to all of us, and we’re all in this together.”

The Path to Recognition

But this didn’t just happen overnight. The road to recognition was long and sometimes bumpy. It involved years of advocacy by survivors, historians, and human rights activists. It meant confronting uncomfortable truths and challenging established narratives.

In some ways, the very existence of this day is a triumph – a testament to the power of truth and the importance of bearing witness.

How to Mark the Day

So, how do we mark a day like this? Well, there are plenty of ways to engage with its meaning and message:

• Spread the Word: Organise events, start conversations and get people talking about what happened and why it matters. Maybe host a film screening or a book discussion.
• Learn and Teach: Dive into the history books, watch documentaries, and share what you learn with others. Knowledge is power, after all. Why not challenge yourself to learn about a specific victim or survivor’s story?
• Remember the Victims: Visit memorials, light a candle, and take a moment of silence. It’s about keeping their memory alive. If you can’t visit a physical memorial, many have virtual tours or online exhibitions.
• Support Survivors: There are still survivors of these regimes among us. Look for ways to support organisations that provide assistance to them.
• Engage in Dialogue: Reach out to people from different backgrounds. Share stories, and listen to different perspectives. Understanding starts with a conversation.

Gifts with Meaning

Now, you might be thinking, “Gifts? For a day like this?” But hear me out. Giving a thoughtful gift can be a powerful way to connect with the significance of the day:

• Books and Films: Give a book about the period or a documentary that sheds light on these events. Anne Applebaum’s “Iron Curtain” and Timothy Snyder’s “Bloodlands” are excellent starting points.
• Art: A piece of art that reflects on themes of memory, resilience, or hope can be deeply meaningful. Look for works by artists who lived through these regimes.
• Personal Touch: Write a letter sharing your thoughts on why remembering matters. It’s personal, it’s heartfelt, and it shows you care.
• Charitable Donations: Donate in someone’s name to an organisation that supports education about totalitarian regimes or assists survivors.

The Challenges of Remembrance

It’s not all smooth sailing, mind you. Remembering can be a tricky business, especially when it comes to such a charged period of history.

Competing Narratives

One of the big challenges is dealing with competing narratives. Different countries, and different groups – they all have their ways of remembering (or forgetting) this period. Sometimes these narratives clash, and that can lead to tension.

For instance, in some parts of Eastern Europe, there’s been a tendency to equate Nazi and Soviet crimes. This has led to heated debates about the nature of these regimes and the appropriate ways to remember their victims.

The Risk of Simplification

There’s also a risk of oversimplifying complex historical events. It’s tempting to paint everything in black and white, to create neat categories of “good guys” and “bad guys”. But history is messy, full of grey areas and moral ambiguities.

The challenge is to remember in a way that honours the victims without falling into the trap of historical reductionism. It’s a balancing act, but an important one.

What’s Next?

Remembering is important, but it’s not enough on its own. We need to keep digging, keep learning, keep uncovering the truth. That means:

• Supporting Research: Encourage and fund investigations into the crimes of totalitarian regimes. There are still many stories to be uncovered, many truths to be told.
• Working Together: European countries need to join forces to protect historical facts and fight against misinformation. In an age of “fake news” and historical revisionism, this is more important than ever.
• Backing Education: Support initiatives that teach about this period in schools and universities. Young people need to understand this history to build a better future.
• Preserving Evidence: As time passes, physical evidence and eyewitness accounts become rarer. We need to work on preserving what we have for future generations.
• Promoting Democracy: Perhaps the best way to honour the victims of totalitarianism is to strengthen our democratic institutions. This means being vigilant, engaged citizens.

The Ripples of History

It’s easy to think of the European Day of Remembrance for Victims of Stalinism and Nazism as something distant, something that only matters to historians or politicians. But the truth is, the echoes of this period are still with us.

In Our Politics

Look at the rise of far-right movements across Europe. Listen to the rhetoric of some populist leaders. The ghosts of the past are never far away, are they?

In Our Culture

Watch a film, read a book, look at a piece of art – chances are, you’ll find traces of this history. It’s woven into the fabric of European culture, sometimes obvious, sometimes subtle.

In Our Families

For many Europeans, this history is personal. It’s in the stories passed down from grandparents, in the old photographs tucked away in drawers, in the silences that fall when certain topics are mentioned.

Why It All Matters

The European Day of Remembrance for Victims of Stalinism and Nazism isn’t just another date on the calendar. It’s a call to action, a reminder of our shared history, and a commitment to a better future.

By remembering the victims of totalitarian regimes, we’re not just honouring the past – we’re shaping the future. We’re saying, “We remember, we understand, and we’re determined to do better.”

So, next August 23rd, take a moment. Remember those who suffered, reflect on how far we’ve come and think about how we can keep moving forward. Because in the end, the European Day of Remembrance for Victims of Stalinism and Nazism is about more than just remembering – it’s about building a future where such atrocities never happen again.

And isn’t that a future worth working towards?