Participants in a commemoration event at the North Cemetery in Dresden. Photo: Sebastian Kahnert/dpa
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(Photo: dpa)
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In addition to Lord Mayor Dirk Hilbert “With a view to the destruction of Dresden, we must not only look at 1945, but must broaden our perspective to the period between 1933 and 1945,” warned Mayor Dirk Hilbert (FDP) at the North Cemetery. The causes of the war and its effects in other parts of Europe should also be considered.
Bundestag President Bärbel Bas (SPD) also recalled the destruction of Dresden in her speech at the opening of the Federal Assembly on Sunday in Berlin. “Politicians have always been involved with these dead people, with the devastating bombardment, with the suffering of those who escaped,” she said. That was already the case in the Second World War “and especially after that”.
Hilbert warned at the graves of victims of the Allied bombing raids of 13/14. February 1945: “Because of the current political situation in our city, in our country and in Europe, we must remember the complexity of a history that is both separating and connecting, an infinitely complex history.” Representatives of the Free State, such as the Vice President of the State Parliament, Andrea Dombois, Minister of Culture Barbara Klepsch and Minister of Education Christian Piwarz (all CDU) and the German War Graves Commission bowed with him.
“The day has been peaceful and trouble-free so far,” said a police spokesman. Meanwhile, hundreds of neo-Nazis marched through the old town. The elevator to the sounds of Wagner music was secured by emergency services, as was loud counter-protest in sight and hearing behind barriers that prevented a direct encounter. Hundreds of counter-demonstrators opposed the “silent march” accompanied by shouts of “Nazis out” at the side of the road. A helicopter circled over the area of the Zwinger, Semperoper and Residenzschloss, and a water cannon and an armored clearing vehicle were also ready.
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With the traditional human chain, the citizenry wants to set a sign for peace and reconciliation in the evening. The city is thus defending itself against a renewed appropriation of the anniversary by right-wing extremists. Hilbert and Klepsch have also announced that they will join the ranks. “Especially nowadays, when extremist forces are trying to undermine the rule of law, it is a strong symbol of democracy, peace and the cohesion of our society,” said Klepsch in advance of the human chain.
After that, the Saxon State Orchestra and the Dresden Philharmonic will play, without applause and with a minute’s silence at the end. An ecumenical peace service is planned in the Kreuzkirche and then the bells of all inner-city churches will ring – as they do every year at the time of the first attack.
Almost three months before the end of World War II,
February 13, 1945 and in the days that followed Allied bombers laid parts of Dresden in ruins. The exact number of victims could never be ascertained. According to a commission of experts, up to 25,000 people lost their lives and an area of twelve square kilometers was completely destroyed.
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