Peaceful revolution: 35 years of freedom - memory in Schwerin!

Peaceful revolution: 35 years of freedom - memory in Schwerin!

On October 9, 1989, a memorable event took place in Leipzig, which is considered a decisive chapter in the history of Germany. As the Prime Minister of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, Manuela Schwesig (SPD), emphasized during a celebration to remember the peaceful revolution, demonstrated about 70,000 people for freedom and democracy that day. They called slogans like "We are the people" and "no violence". These words have become deeper into the collective memory and mark a turning point in German history.

Schwesig, who took part in this ceremony in Leipzig as Federal Council President, recalled the courage of the demonstrators who were opposed to an uncertain fate. "To take the street in autumn 1989 required a lot of courage," she said, adding that many did not know whether they would safely return home or possibly end up at the Ministry of State Security, the Stasi. As a 15-year-old, she was already aware of the importance of this event. "The people who have demonstrated also fought for my generation and future generations for democracy and freedom," said Schwesig.

Repressed memory and important events

October 9, 1989 changed the GDR fundamentally. Immediately after these mass demonstrations, citizens demanded freedom of expression, freedom of the press and free elections. Just one month after the events in Leipzig, the Berlin Wall fell, which should mark the end of a decades of conflict. Schwesig said that the peaceful revolution is one of the most beautiful chapters in German history that everyone involved could be proud of.

In order not to be forgotten these significant events, the state representative for the processing of the SED dictatorship, Burkhard Bley, announced a panel discussion in Schwerin. This event, which will take place on October 23, is intended to commemorate the first Monday demonstration 35 years ago and honor the freedoms won. In view of today's political currents that try to exploit the success of the peaceful revolution for their purposes, it is of great importance not to lose sight of this part of history.

Bley emphasized the responsibility towards the victims of repression and future generations to convey the value of democracy and freedom. "We are not allowed to draw a final line when processing the SED dictatorship," he said. In northern Germany, where demonstrations took place a little later than in other federal states such as Saxony or Thuringia, the citizens also took to the streets. Already on October 16, 1989, 400 people gathered to the first major demonstration with candles, followed by increasing demonstrations in cities such as Neubrandenburg, Rostock and finally Schwerin.

The planned discussion in Schwerin is therefore not only seen as a review of historical events, but also as an important platform in order to commemorate the freedom and the necessary courage. This memory work is crucial to keep the values ​​for which people fought in 1989.