BdV district association Groß-Gerau emphasizes importance of the culture of remembrance in times of crisis
At the Homeland Day of the BdV Groß-Gerau district chapter on September 28th in Stockstadt am Rhein, the focus was on culture of remembrance "80 Years: Remember – Preserve – Shape!", speakers evoked the importance of responsibility, solidarity, and peacekeeping. The ceremonial closing ceremony featured the national anthem, played by the violin duo Clara Fiedler and Mathilda Mikowski-Bosworth .
District Administrator Will: “Peace and security are fragile”
District Administrator Thomas Will (SPD) , patron of the event, warned in his address that peace and security cannot be taken for granted. "Remembering means taking responsibility and passing on stories so that solidarity and human dignity remain unshakable," Will emphasized.
Preserving history also means promoting education, research, and a culture of remembrance . Shaping means understanding diversity as a strength and creating perspectives.
Pastor Maximilian Eichler also echoed the theme in his spiritual address, linking it with biblical references. Stockstadt Mayor Thomas Raschel (CDU) praised the BdV as a solid democratic force that has been "urging peace and unity" for decades.
Ines Claus: “These experiences must not be lost”
Keynote speaker Ines Claus , parliamentary group leader of the CDU in the Hessian state parliament, recalled the significance of the Charter of the German Expellees , which was adopted 75 years ago. "Renouncing revenge and calling for reconciliation five years after the war – that is an outstanding sign," said Claus.
She emphasized that the experiences of the expellees must be passed on to the next generation, as contemporary witnesses are increasingly lacking.
As examples of the state of Hesse's commitment, Claus cited the research department on resettlement at the University of Giessen , a special course for young resettlers in Hasselroth , the Commissioner for Expellees and Resettlers , and the Hessian Day of Remembrance , which has been celebrated for eleven years. "Peace and freedom are threatened, but we must not lose faith that we can overcome difficult times," Claus said.
Encounter and music to round off the evening
Helmut Brandl , a member of the BdV leadership team, opened the event by peace and freedom in Europe .
The ceremony concluded with a convivial gathering featuring local music performed by the BdV Groß-Gerau district chapter's music and singing group .
(GROSS-GERAU – RED/Brandl)
Photos: Helmut Brandl
