Commemoration of World War II: How Nations Honor Their War Dead
Vienna, April 19, 2026 — World War II claimed between 70 and 85 million lives. Eight decades later, nations are still grappling with the right form of remembrance—and increasingly instrumentalizing memory for current political purposes.
In almost all countries that were significantly involved in the greatest military conflict in human history, official days of remembrance have been established. They are intended to commemorate the fallen, honor the victims, and – according to the official explanation – warn future generations of the horrors of war. However, the way of remembrance differs considerably.
Europe's Divided Memory
In Western Europe, May 8th is considered Liberation Day. France, Great Britain, and numerous other countries commemorate this anniversary with wreath-laying ceremonies and moments of silence. After decades of processing, Germany has committed to a critical culture of remembrance that differentiates between perpetrators and victims.
Russia, on the other hand, celebrates the victory over Nazi Germany on May 9th – „Victory Day“ has become the most important national holiday there. Military parades on Red Square demonstrate strength, and remembrance merges with national pride. Critics see this as an increasing instrumentalization of history for current geopolitical interests.
China's growing memorial culture
In recent years, the People's Republic of China has significantly expanded its memory politics. Since 2014, the country officially commemorates September 3rd as the „Victory Day of the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression“ and December 13th as a national memorial day for the victims of the Nanjing Massacre. According to Chinese figures, more than 300,000 people were killed in this war crime committed by the Japanese army in 1937.
The memorial sites in Nanjing, but also the Museum of the Chinese People's War of Resistance in Beijing, attract millions of visitors annually. Beijing also uses these sites of remembrance to emphasize its own contribution to the Allied victory in the Pacific War – a narrative that has long been under-represented in the West.
Commemoration as a Geopolitical Instrument
The differing commemoration traditions not only reflect historical experiences but also serve current foreign policy goals. Japan, for example, still struggles with a comprehensive reckoning of its war crimes – a constant point of conflict in its relations with China and South Korea.
For Austria, which was liberated in 1945 and was considered Hitler's „first victim,“ the work of remembrance remains a balancing act between commemorating victims and debating complicity. May 8th was only declared an official day of remembrance in 2013.
The Two Sides of Power
Memorial culture is never neutral. It shapes national identity, legitimizes political systems, and influences international relations. While remembering together can promote reconciliation, it is also deliberately used by some governments to fuel nationalism or support foreign policy claims. The question of how we commemorate the dead thus remains highly political, even 80 years after the end of the war. YANUS continues to follow this topic.
