How many unsung heroes whisper from this very spot? Right here stands the 5 Maj 1945 War memorial. It marks a pivotal moment in Danish history. This memorial commemorates Denmark’s liberation from Nazi occupation. It honors those who died.
Denmark initially declared neutrality at World War II’s start in 1939. That did not stop Nazi Germany. They occupied the country in 1940. The occupation lasted until Germany’s defeat on 5 May 1945.
Initially, the German government saw Denmark’s occupation as secondary. It was meant to facilitate the invasion of Norway. It also served as a precaution against Allied responses. Despite this, Denmark endured five years under Nazi rule.
The 5 Maj 1945 War memorial symbolizes the end of that dark chapter. It represents the Allied victory. It also embodies the spirit of resistance. The Danish government functioned somewhat normally until August 1943. Then Germany imposed direct military occupation. The government stepped down protesting German demands. These demands included the death penalty for sabotage.
Over 3000 Danes died due to the occupation. This figure includes volunteers who fought on the Eastern Front. It also includes merchant sailors in Allied service. The occupation period is known as “Besættelsen”. This Danish term means “the Occupation”.
A resistance movement grew during the war. Most Danish Jews were rescued. They were sent to neutral Sweden in 1943. This happened when German authorities ordered their internment.
The 5 Maj 1945 War memorial reminds us of Danish resistance. The rapid events of April 9 1940 left the Danish government little time. They could not officially declare war. Denmark’s small size and flat terrain made defense impossible. The government surrendered hoping for an advantageous agreement. Sixteen Danish soldiers died in the invasion.
The 5 Maj 1945 War memorial stands for Danish cooperation. The cooperative attitude led German officials to claim they would respect Danish sovereignty. They also claimed that they would respect territorial integrity and neutrality. Several factors contributed to this leniency. Germany needed agricultural products. They feared economic collapse. They also sought propaganda points. Nazi ideology considered Danes “fellow Nordic Aryans”.
The government remained intact. Parliament continued to function. King Christian X remained in the country. Danish police and judicial systems remained in Danish hands.
The 5 Maj 1945 War memorial is a symbol of Danish defiance. The Danish cabinet rejected German demands. They would not enact laws discriminating against Jewish people. They rebuffed demands to introduce the death penalty. They also rejected German military court jurisdiction over Danish citizens. Denmark refused to transfer army units to German military use.
The tide began to turn. As the war progressed, the Danish population grew hostile. In March 1943, Germans allowed a general election. Voters overwhelmingly supported parties behind the cooperation policy. This discontent led to widespread strikes in the summer. The Danish government refused to deal with the situation to the Germans’ satisfaction.
The 5 Maj 1945 War memorial marks the dissolution of the Danish government. On 29 August 1943 the Germans officially dissolved the Danish government. They instituted martial law. The Danish cabinet resigned. King Christian never officially accepted it. The government continued to function de jure.
In September 1943, various resistance groups formed the Danish Freedom Council. This council coordinated resistance. Allied governments began to recognize Denmark as a full ally.
The 5 Maj 1945 War memorial marks liberation. Most of Denmark was liberated in May 1945 by British forces. The end of German rule is known as Befrielsen or the Liberation. Citizens removed window shades used during bombing raids. They made bonfires in the streets.
Here at the 5 Maj 1945 War memorial we honor those who sacrificed. Their courage and resilience paved the way for freedom. This memorial serves as a constant reminder. We must never forget the cost of peace.