Remembrance Day in Osterhofen: Remembering the victims of history

Remembrance Day in Osterhofen: Remembering the victims of history

On Saturday evening, November 17, 2025, Remembrance Day was celebrated in Osterhofen, Deggendorf district. This much-noticed commemoration took place in the town parish church of the Finding of the Holy Cross, followed by a ceremonial procession to the nearby war memorial. The event is appreciated by citizens as a significant event in the region, where respect for the victims of war and violence is paramount.

The memorial hour was given a particularly festive atmosphere by the Antonibläser, who accompanied the procession with their sounds. The local fire department ensured that safety precautions were taken. Pastor Christian Altmannsperger gave an emotional speech at the war memorial in which he referred to the end of the Second World War on May 8, 1945. The destruction of Europe and the loss of millions of lives played a central role in his reflections - and in doing so he emphasized the responsibility that we must bear based on history.

A day of remembrance and warning

In his speech, the mayor of Osterhofen, Thomas Etschmann, emphasized the importance of Remembrance Day as a day of remembrance, warning and responsibility. “We must remember the fallen soldiers, civilians and all those who fled or fought in the resistance,” Etschmann reminded those present. Particularly noteworthy was his reference to the upcoming possibility of a final memorial service with contemporary witnesses, which could take place 80 years after the end of the war. This opportunity is intended to express the need for individual memory and historical awareness.

Etschmann also used the platform to send a clear message against the current conflicts in the world, especially the war in Ukraine. The growing uncertainty in Germany is a challenge that we have to deal with. “Hate, violence and anti-Semitism have no place in our midst,” was his unequivocal demand. On behalf of the city, he laid a wreath at the war memorial, underscoring the seriousness of the occasion.

The Origins of Remembrance Day

There is a long tradition behind Remembrance Day: It was first celebrated in its modern form in 1952, but has its roots back to 1893. On that day, not only the fallen soldiers of the First World War are remembered, but also all victims of violent conflict and oppression (see also Wikipedia ). In 2025, Remembrance Day falls on November 16th, the second Sunday before Advent. The commemorations that take place in Berlin and many German countries often include a procession to a war memorial, prayers and celebrations with guests of honor and music.

In the period after the Second World War, Remembrance Day was reintroduced as a legal day of remembrance to commemorate all those who lost their lives due to wars and tyranny. A whole century of commemoration and reflection on the horrors of war is and remains an important element of the German culture of remembrance that will also be important in the future.

Current memorial events like in Osterhofen show how important it is not to lose sight of the lessons of the past and to work for peace and justice. Events that remember history not only promote awareness of past passions, but are also a call to actively help shape a solidarity and peaceful future.