As the world commemorates the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II in 2025, Germany and Denmark are reflecting on the war’s enduring impact through poignant ceremonies and ongoing efforts to resolve lingering mysteries. In Germany, the German Red Cross (DRK) Tracing Service continues its vital work, handling thousands of inquiries from families desperate to uncover the fate of relatives lost during the conflict. Meanwhile, Denmark solemnly marked the 80th anniversary of its liberation from Nazi occupation with royal-led memorials and candlelit traditions.
Germany’s Unfinished Search: The DRK Tracing Service
Eighty years after the fall of the Nazi regime, the scars of World War II remain vivid for many German families. The DRK Tracing Service, a cornerstone of Germany’s post-war humanitarian efforts, received approximately 7,000 inquiries in 2024 alone from individuals seeking answers about loved ones who vanished during the war. DRK President Gerda Hasselfeldt emphasized the service’s role, stating, “The interest, the need, is still very high,” and described the search for the missing as a “core humanitarian task.”
These inquiries come not only from parents, spouses, or siblings but increasingly from grandchildren eager to piece together their family histories. Remarkably, 47% of cases are resolved, often providing closure after decades of uncertainty. Even in unresolved cases, the service can frequently offer details, such as the last known location of the missing person. This work underscores the enduring pain of war and the importance of remembrance as a cultural pillar in Germany.
The Tracing Service, based in Munich for WWII-related inquiries, operates on a €12 million annual government budget, with €3 million allocated specifically for WWII cases. However, this funding is only secured until 2028, prompting Hasselfeldt to call for urgent discussions with the incoming federal government to ensure the service’s future. “It is part of our culture of remembrance,” she argued, highlighting how the service’s work reveals “the horrors associated with armed conflicts, including for family members.”
Beyond WWII, the DRK Tracing Service also addresses modern conflicts, assisting families separated by wars in Ukraine and Syria. This dual focus demonstrates the service’s evolving role in a world still grappling with displacement and loss, making its funding a critical issue for both historical and contemporary humanitarian efforts.
Denmark’s Commemoration: A Nation Remembers Liberation
On May 4, 2025, Denmark marked the 80th anniversary of its liberation from Nazi occupation with a solemn memorial service at Copenhagen’s Church of Our Lady. King Frederik X, Queen Mary, former Queen Margrethe II, and Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen joined government officials to honor the end of five years of German occupation, which began on April 9, 1940. Across the country, Danes upheld a cherished tradition, lighting candles in windows to symbolize peace and resilience.
Germany’s invasion of neutral Denmark was swift, with the nation surrendering after brief resistance. The occupation lasted until May 4, 1945, when radio broadcasts announced the partial German capitulation in Denmark, effective the following morning. The full surrender on May 8 ended the war in Europe, liberating Norway and other occupied territories. Denmark’s 2025 commemorations, including regional ceremonies, reflect a collective commitment to remembering the sacrifices made and the fragility of freedom.
A Shared Legacy: Remembrance and Reconciliation
The parallel efforts in Germany and Denmark in 2025 highlight a shared commitment to confronting the past while fostering healing. Germany’s Tracing Service not only provides closure but also serves as a reminder of war’s devastating human toll, reinforcing the nation’s culture of remembrance. Denmark’s ceremonies, steeped in tradition, honor the resilience of a nation that resisted oppression and protected its Jewish population, with over 7,200 Jews smuggled to safety in Sweden during the war.
These initiatives carry profound implications. In Germany, the Tracing Service’s work connects generations, allowing grandchildren to reclaim lost family stories. However, the looming funding cutoff in 2028 threatens this mission, risking the loss of a vital link to the past. In Denmark, the royal family’s presence at commemorations underscores the national unity forged through shared history, while candlelit windows symbolize hope for a peaceful future.
Challenges and Opportunities in 2025
As Germany prepares to mark the 80th anniversary of WWII’s end on May 8, 2025, the DRK Tracing Service faces both challenges and opportunities. The rising number of inquiries from younger generations suggests a growing interest in historical reconciliation, but without sustained funding, the service may struggle to meet demand. Hasselfeldt’s call for dialogue with the government is a proactive step, but public awareness and advocacy will be crucial to securing long-term support.
Denmark’s commemorations, meanwhile, offer a model of how nations can blend tradition with reflection. The candlelit tradition, observed annually since 1945, engages communities in a tangible act of remembrance, ensuring that the lessons of the occupation endure. As the world faces new conflicts, these acts of memory serve as a bulwark against forgetting the cost of war.
A Call to Remember and Act
In 2025, Germany and Denmark are not merely commemorating the end of World War II but actively engaging with its legacy. The DRK Tracing Service’s tireless work to reunite families, even decades later, and Denmark’s heartfelt liberation ceremonies remind us that the past is never truly past. As funding uncertainties threaten Germany’s efforts and global conflicts create new missing persons, the need for humanitarian tracing services is as urgent as ever.
By supporting initiatives like the DRK Tracing Service and participating in commemorations, we honor the missing, the survivors, and the lessons of history. As Hasselfeldt aptly stated, this work is a “core humanitarian task” that transcends time, connecting us to both the horrors of war and the hope for reconciliation.
