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European countries, including Germany, are commemorating VE DAY, the end of World War II on the continent. Europe's deadliest war came to an end 80 years ago.
European countries, including Germany, are commemorating VE DAY, the end of World War II on the continent. Europe's deadliest war came to an end 80 years ago.
Merz joined the wreath-laying ceremony in Berlin just days after being elected chancellor
What you need to know
What you need to know
Ceremonies to mark the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II were held across the continent. Newly elected German Chancellor Friedrich Merz joined a wreath-laying ceremony in Berlin. The Bundestag also held its own remembrance service. Events also took placed in Paris and London, commemorating the defeat of the Nazis. These live updates have been closed. Thank you for reading. Below you can find a roundup of VE Day ceremonies in Berlin, London, Paris and elsewhere, as well as other related news.
Our story, our responsability.
Our story, our responsability.
The role played by the german business community in national socialism
The role played by the german business community in national socialism
On May 8 1945, World War II ended in Europe, the worst catastrophe in human history, which claimed more than 60 million lives. The participants included not only military leaders and politicians but also German companies, which helped to consolidate the power of the National Socialists and became collaborators of the Nazi regime. Our company and its decision-makers at that time were also implicated in this collaboration. On the occasion of this memorial year we want to look back at our own history, but also to ask what lessons for our own time have been drawn from what happened back then.
The Mercedes-Benz Grand Mercedes (“Großer Mercedes,” W 150, 1938 to 1943). An open touring car that was the typical representative vehicle for the leaders of the Third Reich.
In the case of the company then known as Daimler-Benz AG, this benefit was enhanced by the fact that Hitler himself had a pronounced preference for cars with the Mercedes star, even before he became the Reichskanzler. It is well known that he traveled in chauffeured in a Benz as far back as 1923, and that starting in 1931 his regular vehicle was the biggest Mercedes model, a 770. Today we know that even before he seized power he was being given dealer discounts on his cars – and that continued later on. This was obviously a good business deal for both sides. There is no doubt that the company gloried in the fact that their vehicles therefore played a featured role at public events and in weekly newsreels.
Source: Deutsche Welle, The Guardian, Merrcedes-Benz Group
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