ADVERTISING
The BdV district association of Groß-Gerau emphasizes the importance of the culture of remembrance in times of crisis
The Day of Remembrance, organized by the BdV (Federation of Expellees) district association of Groß-Gerau on September 28th in Stockstadt am Rhein focused on the culture of remembrance – more relevant than ever in light of global crises. Under the motto "80 Years: Remembering – Preserving – Shaping!", speakers emphasized responsibility, solidarity, and the preservation of peace. The event concluded with the national anthem, performed 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, cautioned 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 unshaken," Will emphasized.
Preserving history also means promoting education, research, and a culture of remembrance . Shaping the future means understanding diversity as a strength and creating new perspectives.
Pastor Maximilian Eichler also addressed the central theme in his sermon, connecting it to biblical references. Stockstadt's mayor, Thomas Raschel (CDU), praised the BdV as a firmly established democratic institution that has been "urging peace and unity" for decades.
Ines Claus: “These experiences must not be lost”
The 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. "To renounce revenge five years after the war and to call for reconciliation – that is an outstanding sign," said Claus.
She emphasized that the experiences of the expellees must be passed on to the next generation, as eyewitnesses are increasingly scarce.
research area on resettlement at the University of Giessen , a special training course for young resettlers in Hasselroth , the Commissioner for Expellees and Resettlers, and the Hessian Commemoration Day as examples of the state of commitment. "Peace and freedom are threatened, but we must not lose faith that we can overcome difficult times," Claus said.
A gathering and music to conclude the evening
To kick off the event, Helmut Brandl , a member of the BdV (Federation of Expellees) leadership team, welcomed numerous guests from politics and associations. He emphasized that remembering on the Day of the Homeland is not only a historical duty, but also a contribution to preserving peace and freedom in Europe .
The ceremony concluded with a convivial gathering featuring traditional music and songs performed by the BdV district association's music and singing group from Groß-Gerau .
(GROSS-GERAU – RED/Brandl)
Photos: Helmut Brandl
