Remembrance Day on November 17, 2024

On Sunday, November 17, 2024, the annual Remembrance Day ceremony took place in Wittelsbacherpark. The victims of war, violence and terror were commemorated together with the VdK district association in Hof, the German Armed Forces commando and the brass ensemble of the Hof Symphony Orchestra music school. In her speech, Mayor Eva Döhla reminded the audience that since 1922, Remembrance Day has been a day of remembrance and warning, the significance of which has not lost its relevance today: "Today reminds us to be vigilant. Peace cannot be taken for granted. The crises and conflicts of our time - from Ukraine to the Middle East - show us how precious peace and freedom are. Remembrance Day reminds us that we bear responsibility: for the past, for the present and for the future."

The memorial service began with musical contributions from the brass ensemble of the Hof Symphony Orchestra under the direction of Rainer Streit. Mrs. Karin Schnabel, deputy chairwoman of the VdK district association Hof, opened the event. After the speech by Mayor Eva Döhla, wreaths were laid at the memorial, accompanied by further musical performances. National Day of Mourning, which was originally dedicated to the fallen German soldiers of the First World War, developed into a day of remembrance for all victims of war, tyranny and terror after the horrors of the Second World War.

"Our democracy and our constitutional state are precious achievements that must be protected," emphasized Döhla. The city of Hof would like to thank all those involved, in particular the VdK district association in Hof, the German Armed Forces' military detachment and the Hof Symphony Orchestra, for the dignified organization of the event. Remembrance Day remains an important moment of pause and reflection that reminds us to actively stand up for peace, tolerance and humanity.