Danish Museum Recounts Resistance Movement During German Occupation, Reminding That Freedom Is Hard-Won

On April 9, 1940, German forces launched a large-scale invasion, forcing the Danish government to accept Nazi occupation. Nazi Germany promised that if Denmark accepted occupation, it could continue to have its own government and would not be attacked. Although the Danish military strongly advised the government to resist, considering the vast disparity in military strength between Denmark and Germany, and in order to protect the lives and property of the country and its people, the Danish government decided to accept the occupation. The advance of German troops to Denmark's southern border and Denmark's acceptance of occupation took only four hours, making it one of the shortest campaigns in World War II. This historical event shamed many Danes and was recently mocked by US President Donald Trump when he questioned Denmark's ability to protect Greenland. During the German occupation, while Denmark retained its own government, important civilian industries such as agriculture were sent to Germany to support the war effort, and Germany did not permit freedom of speech or press within Denmark. Many Danes were dissatisfied with the government's decision and did not wish to become accomplices of the Nazis. Between 1940 and 1945, they launched various underground resistance activities, including printing propaganda, non-cooperation movements, sabotage, assisting Jews in escaping, and even assassinating informants and high-ranking Nazi officials. The Museum of Danish Resistance (Museum of Danish Resistance) records this precious history, allowing visitors to understand the situation at the time through the stories of five real individuals, each making different choices due to different conditions and factors. The Resistance Museum not only showcases the bravery and struggle of the resistance fighters but also demonstrates that in the social atmosphere of that time, many choices were difficult, and things were not always black and white. Museum staffer Lars told CNA that this past serves as a great warning to the Danish people, and the museum's existence is to help younger generations understand this history. He said that while older Danes may have experienced this history, not all are willing to discuss their experiences in the resistance movement, including his own elders. He stated that Danes do not wish to repeat the mistake of April 9th. Facing recent pressure from the United States, if attacked, Denmark would absolutely fight to the end. Denmark's military strength today is stronger than in 1940, and it has firm allies in Europe and NATO, so it will not surrender easily. Approximately 850 resistance fighters lost their lives during World War II, with 102 sentenced to death by German Nazi military tribunals. During this period, the Danish people also helped about 7,000 Jews within the country escape to Sweden. To commemorate this history, Denmark lowers its flag to half-mast every April 9th and lights candles or lamps in every window after sunset on May 4th, the anniversary of the end of the occupation, symbolizing the resistance against being forcibly lived in darkness during the German occupation and the yearning for freedom. (Editor: Chén Chénggōng) 1150409