# Germany news: Germany holds national day of remembrance

- URL: https://talkfuse.com/story/germany-news-germany-holds-national-day-of-remembrance/
- Published: 2026-11-15T07:23:00+00:00
- Updated: 2026-11-15T08:22:56+00:00
- Original publisher: DW (publisher lean: Centre)
- Original article: https://www.dw.com/en/germany-news-germany-holds-national-day-of-remembrance/live-79947500?maca=en-rss-en-all-1573-rdf
- Topics: Europe, World

## Key points

- Germany is holding its annual day of remembrance.
- Ceremonies honour war dead and victims of oppression.
- Julia Klöckner urged people to actively defend democracy.

## Summary

Germany is marking Volkstrauertag, its national day of mourning for people killed in armed conflicts and victims of violent state oppression. The commemorations also serve as a reminder of the damage caused by tyranny and as a call to defend democracy and human dignity.

At the central ceremony, Austrian President Alexander Van der Bellen and German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier are due to speak, with Steinmeier also laying a wreath. The day includes remembrance for Jewish people killed in the First World War and, following a change announced last year, people persecuted and killed by the Nazis because of their sexual identity, as well as police officers killed in the line of duty. Bundestag President Julia Klöckner said democracy must be continually renewed through the protection of basic rights and freedoms.

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Summarised by TalkFuse (https://talkfuse.com/). Quote the original publisher for the reporting and link this page for the summary and discussion.