You are invited to the scientific conference 80 years after the victory: memory, truth and the covenant of peace.

Thursday, 8 May 2025, at 11 a.m. at the MRC Maribor/Stalag XVIII D, Melje.

How many words will be said about this magnificent anniversary. How many memories will be revived. How many congratulations will be expressed and tears will be shed. Millions and millions fell for the victory over Nazism and fascism in World War II. For victory, peace and the much-desired coexistence between nations. Today, we pay tribute not only to the soldiers of the Red Army, but also to the Americans, the British, and numerous fighters of resistance movements, partisans, and all who contributed to our living in peace for many years. Peace is today the most important value on our land, which cannot be won with weapons alone. The faces of prisoners of war in the Stalag XVIII D death camp in Maribor remind us of this. A camp where young men died with the hope of freedom, also for the sake of preserving their memory and historical truth. To respect the past for the prosperity of the future. For new victories, without wars.

Lecturers: Dr. Daniel Siter (and moderator), Boris Hajdinjak, Dr. Marjan Linasi, Lea Knez, Metka Fujs, Zvezdan Marković and Darjan Lorenčič

Summaries of papers in Slovene

The scientific conference is co-organized with the Alma Mater Europaea University and the Synagogue Maribor.

The scientific conference will also be accompanied by the opening of Dr. Daniel Siter’s exhibition titled When the law fails: Stalag XVIII D between destruction and liberation.

The exhibition reveals the indelible heritage of the Maribor prisoner of war camp and encourages reflection on international military law. The conference will commemorate the liberation and victory over Nazism and, through discussion, shed light on the historical events and memory of 1945.

The event will be preceded by a wreath-laying ceremony in front of Stalag XVIII D and MRC Maribor.

You are invited!