Remembering those who died in WW2

(Vatican Radio) More than 60 million people died in World War 2. About 40 million were civilians, many of them children.

The United Nations has set aside a two-day global observance that occurs on May 8 and 9 each year. It is known as the “Time of Remembrance and Reconciliation for Those Who Lost Their Lives during the Second World War

These dates serve as a tribute to all those who died during World War II, and although many single states mark individual days of victory, liberation and commemoration, the end of the conflict is generally marked during the second week May.

When, in 2010 the General Assembly established this observance inviting all to pay tribute to all victims of the Second World War, it also highlighted the fact that it was exactly this historic event that established the conditions for the creation of the United Nations, designed to save succeeding generations from the scourge of war. And it took the occasion to call upon Member States to unite their efforts in dealing with new challenges and threats, with the United Nations playing a central role, and to make every effort to settle all disputes by peaceful means in conformity with the Charter of the United Nations and in such a manner that international peace and security are not endangered.

Vatican Radio's Linda Bordoni had the privilege to be present during remembrance ceremonies for WW2 veterans when an important anniversary of the landing in Anzio was celebrated over ten years ago. Although their voices do not have the force of youth, but betray the toll of time and suffering on the human body, they are powerful testimonies of why it is important never to forget….

listen to their voices...