Membrance decision: Spreebogenpark becomes the place of memory

Membrance decision: Spreebogenpark becomes the place of memory

in the heart of Berlin, in the Spreebogen Park, an important memorial will soon be created. The federal government and the city of Berlin have officially intended this location for the monument, which is intended to commemorate the victims of communist tyranny. This memorial, which is not only a sign of commemoration, but also as a reminder of the importance of democracy and freedom is built in the immediate vicinity of the Federal Chancellery.

The decision on the location for the "memorial to reminders and memory of the victims of the communist dictatorship in Germany" was announced on October 2, 2024. The memorial is a reaction to the efforts of civil rights activists and victim associations that have been committed to a central place of remembrance for years. The German Bundestag had already decided to establish the monument in 2019.

a necessary step in memory work

For some time now there have been memorial sites for the victims of communist persecution in many Eastern European countries such as Bulgaria or the Czech Republic, while Germany previously missed a comparable place. The ruling mayor of Berlin, Kai Wegner (CDU), emphasized that such a memorial closes an important gap in German memory culture. "We have to remember and must never forget," he said. These words reflect the deep meaning that the memorial is for both the persons concerned and for the entire society.

The monument will not only stand for those people who have been persecuted on the basis of their political beliefs, but also for the large number of people who suffered from coercive measures such as professional bans or state surveillance. In addition, the fatalities on the inner -German border, which attempted to get into freedom, should also be remembered.

In addition, the severe fates of young people in GDR youth homes are not left out who have suffered abuse and violence there. The examination of these dark chapters of German history as part of the commemoration is essential and represents an important aspect of the monument.

design competition and interactive offers

A design competition for the memorial is expected to be advertised in 2025. This competition aims to create a monument that is both aesthetically appealing and is also harmoniously integrated into the urban surroundings of the Spreebogen Park. The Federal Government has already provided the corresponding funds in the budget.

Another important aspect of the memorial will be an information offer that is intended to help visitors to deal with the topic of the communist dictatorship and their devastating consequences. A scientific advisory board that also includes experts from the Union of the victim associations of communist tyranny (UOKG) will currently work on a concept of content for the monument.

This comprehensive approach to the memory shows that the debate about the memorial is embedded in a larger social context. Especially with regard to upcoming state elections in Thuringia, Saxony and Brandenburg, it becomes clear how necessary is an increased appreciation of democracy and the rule of law.

While other monuments, such as the unit monument, continue to be waiting, the decision to create this memorial is an important signal for the victims of communist tyranny. It underlines the need to have to actively deal with the history of the GDR and the crimes committed. This memorial will thus make a decisive contribution to German memorial culture by creating a place that is reminiscent of the essential values of freedom and democracy.

For more information about the project and the importance of this project, See the current report on Development city.de .