On Wednesday, the European Parliament (EP) commemorated the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II in Europe during a plenary session in Strasbourg, honoring three veterans.
EP President Roberta Metsola emphasized the importance of remembering not just the end of the war but also the birth of the European Union. She stated, “Eighty years after the guns fell silent in Europe, we honor the courage of those who fought and the sacrifice of those who fell. The strongest tribute to those who sacrificed their lives is our determination to stay united and say clearly: never again.”
The ceremony featured speeches from three notable veterans: Robert Chot, a 102-year-old Belgian hero of the Battle of the Bulge; Janusz Komorowski, a 95-year-old Polish veteran who fought for Poland’s liberation; and Janusz Maksymowicz, a 96-year-old Polish participant in the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising.
Chot remarked on the profound impact of the war, stating, “Eighty years ago, the guns fell silent, ending a terrible battle that caused millions of deaths in Europe and beyond. If we live in peace today, it is thanks to you and the countries you represent.”
Komorowski reflected on the challenging fate of Poles fighting for freedom, independence, and the right to exist as a nation. He expressed gratitude toward both the wartime generation and the European Parliament for their steadfast commitment to peace, freedom, and democracy.
Maksymowicz warned that the struggle for freedom and values continues in new forms, highlighting that ideologies can be ruthless in dividing people and nations. He concluded by affirming the power of community among nations that respect diverse traditions and cultures, recognizing that many desire to live peacefully together.
The event was marked by a shared commitment to remember the past and uphold values that promote unity and peace in Europe.
