Day of Mourning 2023: Germany observes the National Day of Mourning on the second Sunday of November each year. The date of occurrence is November 12 of this year. It is observed as “Volkstrauertag,” which translates to “people’s day of mourning,” and is a memorial to all those who have perished in war and tyranny.
Day of Mourning History
Volkstrauertag, also known as the National Day of Mourning, was established in 1919 by the German War Graves Commission with the purpose of paying homage to fallen soldiers of World War I. Nevertheless, the inaugural National Day of Mourning was formally observed in 1922. It was not a recognized legal holiday in the Weimar Republic, which came into power subsequent to Germany’s surrender to the Allies and the abdication of the Kaiser.
Following its assumption of power in 1933, the Nazi Party proceeded to legitimize the aforementioned holiday and recast it as an opportunity to honor Nazi champions and exalt warfare (primarily against Britain and France, which were the oppressors of Nazi Germany). The party’s objective was to instill in the German people a sense of patriotism and garner support for subsequent war endeavors. However, following Germany’s defeat in World War II and the dissolution of the Nazi Party, the newly divided zones rescheduled the holiday to the second Sunday of November to signify a break with the Nazis’ fascist ideology. The holiday was first observed in its authentic form in West Germany, which was under the British and French occupation three years after World War II.
The inaugural central conference of the German War Graves Commission was conducted in Bonn in 1950. The gathering expanded the parameters of the observance to encompass casualties of violent oppression, civilians who perished in armed conflicts, and members of the armed forces of all nations.
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FAQs on the Day of Mourning
How many veterans of Germany remain in their lives?
Out of a total population of 6,000, a mere 35 remain surviving.
When will Germany acknowledge the Holocaust?
January 27 is an annual commemoration of the Holocaust in Germany.
What does the term Reich mean?
The German term “Reich” translates to “realm.”
Day of Mourning 2023 Activities
Engage in solitude
National Day of Mourning observances are devoid of music and dance. As a mark of respect for those who have been injured by war and tyranny, one may observe it through the practice of silence.
Express gratitude
Gratitude can be expressed through a visit to the grave of a fallen combatant or individual lost in combat. Furthermore, a charitable contribution could be made in your honor.
Relay a post
Disseminate a social media post emphasizing the significance of remembering all those who perished as a result of governmental oppression or warfare. It will assist you in inspiring others to do the same.
Five unexpected facts regarding the Nazi Party
Hitler served as the party’s pillar.
Magnetism and charismatic speeches directed the German people’s attention, which the Nazi Party was unable to do.
Wear the Star of David … or else
All Jews were required by the Nazi Party to don a yellow Star of David.
Albert Einstein Bounty
The Nazi Party was on the verge of orchestrating Einstein’s assassination.
Nazi Party members assembled a jazz ensemble.
Charlie and His Orchestra was a jazz ensemble formed by the Nazis for the purpose of propagandizing.
With Hitler’s passing, the Nazi Party disintegrated.
The Nazi Party came to an end following Hitler’s suicide.
DAY OF MOURNING DATES
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | November 12 | Sunday |
| 2024 | November 10 | Sunday |
| 2025 | November 9 | Sunday |
| 2026 | November 8 | Sunday |
