February 13 is a prominent date for Dresden with a fixed programme. The memory of the destruction of the city in 1945 is always accompanied by a commitment to peace and reconciliation – and resistance to the right.
On Sunday, representatives of the Free State of Saxony and Dresden commemorated the victims of the air raids on the city on the Elbe in World War II by laying wreaths and silently remembering the resting places of the victims.
“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.
Bombardment is repeatedly exploited
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. “Politics was always being made 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 even more so afterwards”.
Hilbert warned of the graves of victims of the Allied bombing raids of 13/14. February 1945: “In remembrance, we have to face the complexity of a history that is both separating and connecting, an infinitely complex story, especially because of the current political situation in our city, in our country and in Europe.” 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.
Hundreds of neo-Nazis in the old town
“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.
After the meeting, the police reported a symbolic blockade of the opening rally and individual counter-protest attempts to break through barriers. “Pepper spray was also used.” Investigations were initiated against a 21-year-old and a 27-year-old for breach of the peace, against a 24-year-old for resisting law enforcement officials. On the Neumarkt at the Frauenkirche, emergency services separated two different camps at another meeting.
Memorial locked
During the day, wreaths and flowers were laid on the Altmarkt, at the cordoned-off memorial for the victims of the bombings, and the first candles and small white silk roses were placed on two long tables by the Frauenkirche to commemorate the victims of terror and violence. 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. “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 Minister of Culture Klepsch.
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.
Background information on the destruction
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.
Source: Stern
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