BERLIN – Federal President Frank-Walter steinmeier lauded the contributions of Italian immigrants to Germany as a “success story” on Sunday, marking Remembrance day with a focus on German-Italian friendship alongside Italian President Sergio Mattarella. The commemoration included a wreath-laying ceremony at the Central Memorial of the Federal Republic for the victims of war and tyranny in Berlin, followed by a joint address to the Bundestag.
This year’s Remembrance Day, traditionally held 14 days before the first Advent, specifically honors the enduring bond between Germany and Italy. Steinmeier‘s remarks come as Germany grapples with ongoing debates surrounding immigration and integration, highlighting the positive impact of past migration flows. The event also broadened the scope of remembrance to include victims of Nazi persecution based on gender and sexual identity, as well as police officers killed in the line of duty.
The presidents laid wreaths honoring victims of war and tyranny. Mattarella delivered the commemorative speech in the Bundestag, a gesture reflecting the day’s theme of Italian-German friendship. Steinmeier then addressed the commemoration of the dead,a tradition dating back to 1952.
Remembrance Day honors those lost in world wars, under Nazi rule, and in contemporary conflicts and acts of violence within Germany. This year’s expanded remembrance acknowledges previously marginalized groups impacted by Nazi persecution and honors the sacrifices of law enforcement.
