On October 21, 1944, the German Wehrmacht troops trapped in Aachen by the US Army surrendered. This marked the end of the Nazi era in the city and the administration was transferred to the American military government.
Aachen was the first major German city to be conquered by the Allies. This was an act of liberation for all those who had been persecuted by National Socialism, who were living in hiding or had been brought to the region for forced labor. The surrender was preceded by several weeks of fighting in the area surrounding the city and finally in the city itself. While this marked the end of the Second World War for Aachen, it was another six months before the German Reich surrendered on May 8, 1945.
This will mark the eightieth anniversary of the end of the war in Aachen in 2024. An event that should have an appropriate and worthy place in the city's culture of remembrance and commemoration. For this reason, a ceremony was held in the Coronation Hall on Sunday, October 13, 2024. Until the end of May 2025, a supporting programme involving numerous organizations and initiatives will offer interesting events.
Film on the subject of freedom
To mark the 80th anniversary of the end of the war, people in Aachen have spoken out about what they understand by freedom today. Democracy and freedom are important values and it is everyone's responsibility to actively stand up for them.
Idea: Blue Karla, Concept: Silke Krieg, Film production: Christian van't Hoen