Looking back. Looking ahead. 2020-2025

76   ALBUM 2022 | DACHAU MEMORIAL 2022 M A Y Anniversary of the liberation of Dachau On 1 May, the Dachau Memorial commemorated the 77th anniversary of the camp’s liberation by U.S. troops. After two years of pandemic restrictions, the ceremony could once again be held on a larger scale. Following a welcome by Dr Gabriele Hammermann and opening remarks from Karl Freller (Director of the Bavarian Memorial Foundation), the main speeches were given by General Jean-Michel Thomas (President of the CID) and Prof. Michael Piazolo (Minister of Education and Chairman of the Foundation Council). Three Dachau survivors – Abba Naor, Jean Lafaurie and Mario Condotto – shared moving messages with the audience. Historian Dr Borys Zabarko, himself a survivor and refugee from Ukraine, also spoke, drawing attention to his country’s ongoing struggle against the Russian war of aggression. At the heart of the ceremony was the survivors’ powerful plea for peace, humanity and democratic values.