What was the significance of Dachau’s liberation?

Dachau was the first concentration camp established by the Nazis. Its liberation by U.S. forces in 1945 revealed the extent of Nazi atrocities and became a turning point in public awareness of the Holocaust.

Who was Bud Gahs and why was his presence important?

Bud Gahs, now 100 years old, was a member of the 42nd Infantry Division that helped liberate Dachau. His presence and words at the 80th anniversary ceremony gave powerful, firsthand perspective on the liberation.

Can I visit Dachau Concentration Camp Memorial today?

Yes. The site is open to visitors year-round and includes exhibitions, memorials, and guided tour options for educational visits.

Do you offer guided tours of the memorial site?

Yes. I offer guided tours providing historical background and insights into the memorial site. You can find more information at yourtourwebsite.com.

Is photography or filming allowed during visits?

Photography is allowed in most areas, but visitors are asked to be respectful. Filming is permitted for personal use, but discretion is advised.

Why is it important to remember Dachau today?

Dachau serves as a warning from history. As survivors and liberators pass on, preserving their stories helps future generations understand the consequences of hatred and the importance of remembrance.

80th Anniversary of the Liberation of Dachau

Commemorating a Historic and Emotional Milestone – May 4th, 2025

On Sunday, May 4th, 2025, I had the honor of attending the solemn ceremony marking the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Dachau Concentration Camp. Organised by the Comité International de Dachau and the Bavarian Memorial Foundation, the event brought together survivors, dignitaries, military representatives, and descendants of liberators to reflect on history, honor the victims, and pay tribute to those who liberated the camp on April 29th, 1945.

A floral wreath using rainbow colours. — *Wreath laid by the 42nd “Rainbow” Division, whose soldiers liberated Dachau in 1945.*

A Moment of Living History

Among the most moving parts of the ceremony was the appearance and speech by Bud Gahs, a veteran of the 42nd “Rainbow” Infantry Division—one of the units that liberated Dachau. At 100 years old, Mr. Gahs shared these powerful words:

“In the months leading up to April 29th, 1945, we continually risked our lives in countless engagements and found how combat changed our perspectives. However, when we opened the gates of Dachau it was only then that we truly understood what we had been fighting for.”
—Bud Gahs, 42nd Infantry Division.

Reflection and Responsibility

The ceremony featured speeches, music and wreath-laying at the International Monument by representatives of multiple countries and religious traditions. The atmosphere was quiet, respectful, and at times heavy with both grief and gratitude.

A row of floral wreaths lean against a wall beneath a huge sculpture made to look like contorted human figures — *Wreaths placed in front of Nandor Glid’s International Monument to commemorate those who suffered and died in Dachau.*

Why It Still Matters

This year’s anniversary served not only as a commemoration of past atrocities, but also as a solemn reminder of our collective responsibility to remember, educate, and resist the forces of hatred and intolerance in our world today. Dachau stands not only as a historical site, but as a warning.

As a guide who regularly brings visitors to Dachau, I was deeply moved to witness history alive in the presence of someone who helped shape it.

Never forget!

Dachau was the first concentration camp established by the Nazis and became a model for others. Its liberation on April 29, 1945, by the U.S. Army’s 42nd and 45th Infantry Divisions marked a turning point in revealing the full extent of Nazi atrocities to the world. The images and testimonies from Dachau shocked the global conscience.
Bud Gahs served in the 42nd “Rainbow” Division, one of the U.S. Army units that liberated Dachau. Now 100 years old, he was one of the last living liberators to attend the 80th anniversary ceremony in person. His words offered a rare, firsthand perspective on the moment of liberation and the moral clarity it brought.
Yes. The Dachau Memorial Site is open to the public and welcomes visitors year-round. It includes original buildings, exhibitions, memorials, and audio guides. Guided tours offer deeper historical context and help interpret what you’re seeing.
Yes. We offer guided tours that provide historical background, personal stories, and insights into the site’s memorials and symbols. Our tours are designed to be respectful, educational, and reflective.
Photography is allowed in most areas of the memorial site, but visitors are asked to be respectful at all times. Video filming is permitted for personal use. Please refrain from taking selfies or disruptive content in places of remembrance.
Dachau is not just a historical site—it is a warning. As the number of survivors and liberators dwindles, it’s our responsibility to preserve their memories and ensure future generations understand what happened, why it happened, and what must never happen again.