Lübeck remembers: Never again war! Rally for Anti-War Day

Lübeck remembers: Never again war! Rally for Anti-War Day

As usual, September 1, 2025 has a special significance in Lübeck. On this day, which is also known as Anti-War Day, the Peace Alliance Easter March Lübeck commemorates the dark history of the Second World War with a rally. At the memorial for the deportees at the main entrance to Lübeck Central Station from 5 p.m. the motto will be “Never again fascism, never again war!” announced in clear words. This is reminiscent of Nazi Germany's attack on Poland 86 years ago, which marked the beginning of one of the most terrible conflicts in human history. The day is intended not only to commemorate the past, but also to address current challenges and political developments.

The organizers actively campaign against political rearmament and the creeping militarization of society. Instead, they call for a policy based on the ability to make peace and diplomacy. Other concerns include social justice and an open, diverse society. The focus is particularly on the exorbitant investments in the military and weapons, while at the same time funding for education, social services and health is often severely cut.

Current discussions and challenges

Janina Böttger and Hendrik Lange from the Left in Saxony-Anhalt emphasize that peaceful efforts in recent years have often fallen under the wheels of poverty and inequality. They criticize the intended reintroduction of compulsory military service and warn of the associated militarization of the young generation. “Without prospects for education, work and living space, we betray our social responsibility,” they emphasize.

The current global military escalations and the associated armament programs are in direct contrast to measures that promote social cohesion. Instead of investing the 100 billion euro special fund in the arms industry, the activists are demanding that funds should flow into the ailing schools, the nursing care crisis and rising rent prices.

The anti-war day and the peace movement

Anti-War Day is not only a day of remembrance, but also a call to mobilize against militarization and right-wing forces that are trying to rewrite history and fuel nationalism. “Never again war, never again fascism” should never be forgotten. The peace movement has a long tradition that stretches from ancient times to modern times. It emerged as a response to wars and the associated rearmament - the term "international peace movement" has been used since around 1900 and was particularly influential in the 20th century and during the Cold War.

It is also impressive how various social movements have tried to prevent wars and reject them as a means of politics. The development of these movements is reflected in the numerous protests of the last decades, from the Easter marches in the 1960s to current protests against military interventions worldwide. Each initiative is driven by the goal of being a strong voice for peace and fighting against the militarization of society.

In this sense, the rally in Lübeck will send a strong signal - not only for a peaceful future, but also to show solidarity with all those who suffer from the consequences of war, displacement and rearmament. The hope is that many citizens will join the demonstrators and together send a clear message to politicians: Invest in peace instead of military strength!