The final discussion is about reimagining #commemoration (of WW2) by making #ceremonies more inclusive and innovative.

Laurent: He details the 5 ceremonies on the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Paris on August 25, and calls on the importance of including young people and facilitating their learning during such events. Modern technology allows new elements to be added, like recorded music that evokes a certain atmosphere (he recalls the time when they used the theme song of The X-Files during commemoration for its eerie sound). It is necessary to invent new ways of reaching younger audiences, since older generations and primary eyewitnesses who consider coming to these ceremonies a duty, will one day soon pass away. Yet, the commemorations need to stay alive. For that to happen, physical places need to be visited. Digital substitutes simply do not have the same power: visiting Auschwitz-Birkenau and experiencing its memorial power is not possible without being physically present. #XR and AI can well support learning if used responsibly, but cannot substitute commemoration in situ. Places cannot be replaced.

Nienke: In the Netherlands, there is quite a unique way of commemoration: on the 4th of May we commemorate, while on the 5th we celebrate (#Denmark being the only other country with such a tradition). As of this year, there are 15 festivals for the celebration of liberation (the 15th being organised in Curacao). There was a discussion how to bring people closer together during these events, especially in the modern times when many tend to isolate within their personal slice of cyberspace. They realised that the answer is sharing food, and thus they offer "freedom meals" during which people talk to each other. What it comes down to ultimately is building respect. For that to happen, it is necessary to be transparent and strict about what is and what is not talked about during the ceremony. Thus, reflecting on contemporary conflicts is welcome, but this is done with the respect to the main reason of gathering: commemorating the past.

If we make things understandable and relatable, she continues, young people will participate, understand the associated rituals, and learn respect and responsibility. Especially the power of rituals (such as the 2-minute silence at 20h on May 4) we must not underestimate. They must be continued, but they also need to evolve. For example, young people don't just want to stand on the side and recite a poem, but want more involved, active roles in these events. It is important to note that there is an age period when organisers can lose the interest of young people, during their most turbulent adolescent years (16-23), but they often come back, especially if they participated when they were younger.

Dominik: In Germany, for obvious reasons, commemoration ceremonies don't have a celebratory nature. There are those organised with international partners, with a lower profile, either for the general public, or focused on youth with cultural approaches relevant to them (such as approachable live music like Bach that is not necessarily evoking sadness). They also have a ceremony in the parliament, inviting international political figures as guests. It is important for politicians to publicly address important past events. The international dimension is crucial in Germany. Some sites are in need of renovation, which requires funds. Failing to restore such sites where ceremonies are held poses a risk of diplomatic tension. It is also important to avoid all censorship during ceremonies. Representation is crucial (such as commemorating the homosexual victims of the Holocaust).

Marta: There are several ceremonies at Auschwitz-Birkenau, but she focuses now on the one held on January 27 (camp liberation day). This ceremony was strongly shaped by the survivors' own initiatives. It evolved from the ceremony of laying flowers to incorporating a very strong educational dimension. Continuity is an important factor that ties the yearly events together, while respect is the principle that guides them. Combining education with the commemorative and respect-paying nature of these events is the main pedagogical challenge. For that, we need to preserve as many testimonies of survivors as we can, while still possible. How commemoration without survivors will look like in the future remains an open question.

This closing session was encouraging to me in the sense that I see professionals from adjacent sectors being forward-thinking and careful in some of their assessments, but adamant in some of the established values of modern, science-led education.

If you don't yet know the Liberation Route Europe, which is one of the flagship initiatives of the LRE Foundation (who organised this event), check it out here:
https://www.liberationroute.com/en

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