Wreath-laying ceremony at the forest cemetery in remembrance of the victims of the Nazi regime
With a wreath-laying ceremony at the Waldfriedhof cemetery, the science city of Darmstadt will commemorate the women and men of the German resistance against the National Socialist dictatorship on Monday, July 20, 2026.
City Councillor Michael Siebel will lay a wreath at the memorial at 11 a.m. Citizens and media representatives are invited to the ceremony. The meeting point is at the entrance to the forest cemetery.
July 20th commemorates the failed assassination attempt on Adolf Hitler in 1944. Numerous women and men had attempted to end the war, the reign of terror, and the Nazi dictatorship. After the failed coup attempt, hundreds of participants and supporters were arrested, tortured, and murdered.
“The attempted coup of July 20, 1944, is one of the highlights of German history of freedom and democracy,” explains Mayor Hanno Benz.
The science city is particularly reminiscent of Darmstadt personalities of the resistance, including Wilhelm Leuschner, Carlo Mierendorff, Theodor Haubach, Ludwig and Elisabeth Schwamb, Lily Pringsheim, Elly Deumer and Käthe Kern.
“Wilhelm Leuschner and his companions are still shining examples today, who have demonstrated foresight and humanity,” Benz continued.
With this commemorative event, the city wants to remember the courage of the resistance fighters and at the same time set an example for democracy, freedom and civil courage.
(DARMSTADT – RED/stip/fre)
