As we have mentioned before, the city of Dresden never ceases to amaze and surprise us. February 13th was yet another example of the unique character and incomparable spirit of this city.
Every year the city remembers this day as the day the allied forces dropped thousands of bombs on the city center of Dresden. The resulting firestorm destroyed approximately 15 square miles of the city center. The debate about the necessity of destroying the city of Dresden, which was primarily known as an icon of baroque humanism and a cultural landmark of little military significance, still rages. However, this is not the purpose of my post nor the focus of the events on February 13th, 2011.
For several weeks prior to this day the city started advertising the events that would be taking place for this years commemoration of this day. There were speeches by city officials, memorial services in all of the big churches, and wreaths laid at the graves and memorials of the approximately 25,000 Dresden citizens who died during these attacks. Unfortunately, there were also marches and events held by the small political fringe group (Neo-Nazis) who wish to point fingers, propagate hate and quite simply, repeat mistakes of the past. However, the most impressive and fascinating event that took place in Dresden was a human chain organized by city officials. Prior to 2 pm. on a cold Sunday afternoon approximately 17,000 citizens of this beautiful city gathered to form a 2 mile long human chain around the inner-city area. At 2 pm. all of the church bells rang and everyone held hands for 10 minutes. Where we were standing, two older men and one teary-eyed older woman walked by (probably late 70s). This was particularly moving as we can only begin to fathom what she had experienced during these days and in her lifetime as a whole. The human chain was also intended to send a clear message to the Neo-Nazis who were marching in another part of the city: You are not welcome here. We don´t believe your lies. Violence and hatred is not the answer. This was evidenced by the white roses that many of the participants had pinned to their coats as well as the many banners and posters that they were carrying.
Throughout the day, there was a free concert and prayer for peace taking place in the Frauenkirche (church of our Lady), perhaps the most symbolic building in the city of Dresden. It was destroyed during the firestorm, left as a reminder of the result of National socialist extremism during the German Democratic Republic, painstakingly rebuilt after the wall fell and finally reopened in 2005. It signifies many things to the city of Dresden, the state of Saxony, even Germany as a whole. From the visible original stones, to the massive piece they left in the spot it fell after it collapsed, to the gilded cross and orb on the top of the dome crafted by a british blacksmith whose father was one of the bombers this building it makes a statement to the world.
A statement that violence leaves lasting scars and the wounds take years to heal. That those who are lost are not forgotten. That reconciliation and forgiveness can result in beautiful things. That there is hope for the future.
Long talk, short point (that is what we say in German): The whole day was a very moving experience for both of us and we are very grateful we were able to be a part of this important day for Dresden.
