81 years after Willi Graf's death: his legacy lives on!

81 years after Willi Graf's death: his legacy lives on!

On October 12th, a remarkable resistance fighter will be remembered in Germany: Willi Graf, who was executed by the National Socialist regime at the age of just 25. This year marks the 81st anniversary of his death. Graf was an important member of the White Rose resistance group, a student movement that opposed the brutal measures and crimes of the Nazi regime. In the Old St. Johann Cemetery in Saarbrücken, where he is buried, there is a memorial stone honoring his achievements.

The district administrator of the Saarpfalz district, Dr. Theophil Gallo, took the opportunity to refresh the memories of Graf and his fight against the National Socialist tyranny. He assures that it is important to keep the legacy of Willi Graf and his comrades in mind, especially at a time when similar conflicts can be observed daily in different parts of the world such as Ukraine and the Middle East.

Resistance in the name of freedom

Willi Graf, who grew up in Saarbrücken, was studying medicine when he decided to take an active stand against the crimes of the Nazi regime. As part of a leaflet campaign at the Ludwig Maximilian University in Munich on February 18, 1943, he and others, including the siblings Hans and Sophie Scholl, opposed the terror of the National Socialists. This led to his arrest by the Gestapo and ultimately to his cruel death sentence, which was announced by the People's Court on April 19, 1943.

The memories of Graf's courage and determination are deeply rooted in history. District Administrator Gallo emphasizes that despite brutal torture and inhumane conditions, Graf did not reveal the names of his colleagues. His steadfastness and belief in a peaceful and just Germany are values ​​that are still very relevant today. Gallo makes it clear that it is up to society to keep the memories of such heroes alive and to implement their message in their own lives. “Every individual bears the entire responsibility” is a belief that Graf held throughout his life and which can still inspire many today.

Graf's posthumous recognition was expressed in the initiation of a beatification process in 2018 by the Archdiocese of Munich-Freising, which could further consolidate the resistance fighter's appreciation and legacy. The district administrator suggests that citizens should integrate the motto “Remember and act” into their everyday lives.

Willi Graf's remains were brought to the Old St. Johann Cemetery on November 4, 1946. In 2009, a memorial was set up there that highlights the life story and legacy of this brave man and thus brings it closer to visitors. In a small but impressive room in the funeral hall, visitors can learn more about the achievements and ideals for which Graf fought.

Gallo also appeals to everyone not to let Graf fall into oblivion and to recognize the lessons of his story at a time when the pursuit of peace and freedom is more important than ever. “We have to make sure that his name is remembered and that we fight for a better world,” he concludes, and it becomes clear that Willi Graf’s legacy is still alive in the present and makes us think.

Visitors to the memorial in the Old Cemetery can find out about the life and work of Willi Graf every day in October from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. and give his memory the honor he deserves. More information can also be found on the website homburg1.de be read.