On 30 August 1942, Gauleiter Gustav Simon imposed forced conscription in Luxembourg, marking a dark chapter in the country's history. This year, the anniversary of this event is being observed 82 years later.
More than 13,000 young Luxembourg men, aged 18 to 24, were forcibly recruited by Nazi forces from Germany. In addition, over 3,600 young women were compelled to work for the Nazi regime.
To honour those affected and remember this grim period, a remembrance ceremony will be held on Friday in Limpertsberg. The ceremony will pay tribute to the individuals who were forcibly conscripted.
The imposition of forced conscription sparked widespread protests across Luxembourg. On Saturday, commemorative events will be held in various locations, including Wiltz, often referred to as the "martyr town." It was in Wiltz that the general strike began 82 years ago in protest against the forced recruitment of young Luxembourgers into the German army.
