35 years of peaceful revolution: Saxony celebrates freedom in unity!

35 years of peaceful revolution: Saxony celebrates freedom in unity!

autumn 2023 commemorates the peaceful upheavals 35 years ago, which led to the reunification of Germany. This week, the Saxon parishes and the Saxon state parliament celebrate various memorial events and celebrate to honor the conflicts and achievements of this eventful time. On October 3, the Day of German Unity, an official ceremony will take place in the plenary hall of the Saxon state parliament.

The Evangelical Lutheran State Church of Saxony has announced that peace prayers and exhibitions are held in various locations in Saxony. This is done to commemorate the churches that were locations of hope and dialogue during the GDR era. These institutions made a decisive contribution to the peaceful revolution by offering a space for freedom of thought and expression and for the protection of citizens who were committed to a better life.

initiatives and events in the cities

in Löbau will begin singing on the Altmarkt on October 3 at 7 p.m. under the motto "October 3 - Germany sings". Local choirs, under the direction of church music director Christian Kühne, will perform a musical program. There are also celebrations in Chemnitz, where an open singing event is planned for all generations at the Chemnitz Neumarkt. This initiative is characterized by reconciliation and is supported by the "Eastern State of Mind" program of the Capital of Culture in 2025.

A remarkable moment is also in Dresden: On October 8, October 8 and the Kreuzkirche carry out a prayer of peace, in which the "Grandma's Against Right" initiative is awarded for its continuous commitment. In addition, the OB Dirk Hilbert will speak about the importance of October 8, where the establishment of a dialogue between demonstrators and various political representatives.

Leipzig's light festival and appreciation of history

in Leipzig, the light festival will be awarded on October 9, 2024 to add the historic Monday demonstration from 1989. Memorial celebrations, led by State Bishop Tobias Bilz, take place this year. This year is particularly reminiscent of the prayer of peace in the Nikolaikirche, in which almost 2,000 people came together despite impending repression. Incidentally, the Chancellor Olaf Scholz is also expected at the light festival, who will give a speech on democracy.

The atmosphere of hope and the urge for freedom is accompanied this year by musical performances, including the excerpts of a work by John Rutter. In this historical place, which played a central role in the peaceful revolution, the connection between the time and today's civil society is established. It will be exciting to see how the city of Leipzig pays tribute to the legacy of this eventful time.

In Chemnitz, a contemporary witness discussion on October 24 will address the conditions of the last months before the turn. Andreas Neudert will report on his failed flight and his time in detention, which he experienced behind bars: an impressive testimony of the circumstances at that time. This large number of initiatives and events in Saxony underlines the still existing relevance and importance of the peaceful revolution for today.

The entire spectrum of the events provides a multifaceted insight into the history and the various perspectives associated with the peaceful revolution. History is kept alive and the achievements of the past are carried into the present. The preparations clearly show that commitment to freedom and democracy is still necessary and appreciated today.

For more information about the reminiscent celebrations and memorial events in Saxony, See the current reporting at www.onntag-sachsen.de .