Remembering the Past to Protect Our Future
In a poignant effort to underscore the value of democracy, the European Union has released a video that features elderly survivors recounting their harrowing pasts. These survivors share stories of their experiences with dictatorships and wars, including World War II, concentration camps, and the Prague Spring. The narratives are not only a testament to their resilience but also a stark reminder of the fragility of the democratic state.
The video serves as a powerful tool, illustrating the fact that democracy is not an inherent guarantee but rather a delicate construct that requires constant vigilance and participation to maintain. The survivors’ personal accounts bring history to life, bridging the gap between generations and serving as a somber warning against complacency.
Amidst the backdrop of current events, where a war continues to rage on European soil and the rise of the far-right challenges established freedoms, these testimonials gain even greater significance. The resurgence of conservative ideologies casts a long shadow over liberal societies, prompting the European Union to encourage citizens to exercise their right to vote.
With only 50.6% voter turnout in the 2019 European elections, there is a pressing need to engage the electorate. The European Union’s message is clear: democracy is a collective responsibility that transcends political affiliations, borders, and generations. As European Parliament spokesperson Jaume Duch eloquently puts it, “Democracy is our collective duty, not against a specific political idea or a specific purpose, but a duty we have towards one another.”
Duch further emphasizes that “European democracy unites us more than we believe: beyond borders, beyond political sensitivities, and beyond generations.” In an era marked by polarization, remembering the sacrifices of those who lived through Europe’s darkest hours is crucial for safeguarding the democratic values that many now take for granted.
