Eschwege intends: pupils and Bundeswehr combined for peace

Eschwege intends: pupils and Bundeswehr combined for peace

on the Memorial Day, an important commemoration day in Germany, numerous representatives from politics, churches, schools as well as the Bundeswehr and the Federal Police gathered in Eschwege to commemorate the victims of the two world wars. Mayor Alexander Heppe honored the dead and emphasized the importance of peace, while he followed the words of Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier, who has also included the victims of terrorist and racist violence since 2020.

"The Memorial Day should be a day of hope for peace and reconciliation," said Heppe, thanking the uniformed forces who provide freedom and security. District Administrator Nicole Rathgeber also spoke and recalled that the Second World War seems to be far away for the young generation. She emphasized that peace was a precious asset that should not be considered for granted. "Young people are responsible and have to learn that peace is hard work," said Rathber.

pupils commemorate fallen comrades

Traditionally, students from the Friedrich-Wilhelm School (FWS) also spoke and reminded of the 23 fallen classmates who died in 1943 in a bomb attack. Rike Völksch, one of the speakers, asked who of them had thought that they would be sent to death from school. Today's students asked to stand up for peace, freedom and democracy and to prepare themselves against political developments that scare.

The commemoration was musically framed by the former Fidelen Egerland under the direction of Peter Habla, who provided a worthy atmosphere with moving songs such as "closer my god to you" and "I had a comrade". In the middle of the current geopolitical tensions, such as the conflicts in the Middle East and Ukraine, the call for peace and reconciliation is becoming increasingly urgent. It is a reminder not to forget the teachings from the past and actively fight for a peaceful future.