In 1945, on May 8th, with Germany's unconditional surrender, World War II in Europe came to an end. The tragedy of the war ended here. The country was devastated. Germany was defeated—but also liberated from Nazi terror. May 8th marked the beginning of Germany's long road to freedom and democracy.

The Embassy of Germany in China posted on Weibo:

"This day has left a deep mark on our nation. We are all children of May 8th!" Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier stated at the commemorative event held by the German Bundestag.

"It is precisely because we have not forgotten the past that, after 1945, a new, integrated Europe rose from the ruins of the war. Europe learned lessons from this catastrophe: to coexist peacefully, not to be hostile to each other; to cooperate and win together, not to act recklessly; to respect international law and human rights—these are what have brought us decades of peace, freedom, and prosperity."

Steinmeier praised the battle waged by the Allied Powers to crush the Nazi regime in Germany. At the same time, he emphasized in view of the current situation: "The war against Ukraine is in no way a continuation of anti-fascist combat. Putin's aggressive war and his invasion of a free democratic nation have nothing in common with the fight against Nazi tyranny during World War II."

Germany's reflection on World War II stems from its DNA. After the war, Germany has always acknowledged, apologized for, and reflected on the war crimes committed by the Nazi regime during World War II.

In December 1970, then Chancellor Brandt visited Eastern Europe and knelt down to lay flowers at the Monument to the Victims in Warsaw.

In June 1995, then Chancellor Kohl visited Israel and devoutly knelt at the monument of Jewish victims, offering sincere repentance.

As one of the countries that inflicted harm on humanity during World War II, has Japan confessed or apologized? Compared to Germany, what should Japan do and how should it do it?

Source: https://www.toutiao.com/article/1831677822689280/

Disclaimer: This article solely represents the author's personal views.