Scholz and Birthler: Ceremony for democracy in Leipzig and light festival!

Scholz and Birthler: Ceremony for democracy in Leipzig and light festival!

The celebrations for the 35th anniversary of the peaceful revolution in Leipzig are in the house and promise both interesting speeches and emotional moments. In the afternoon there will be a ceremony in the Gewandhaus, in which Chancellor Olaf Scholz will give a central speech on democracy. His speech in particular is expected because it not only focuses on the past, but also sends a message for the future. At his side is the former GDR citizens' rights activist Toni Birthler, who will appear as a keynote speaker. Birthler, who is also known for her role as Stasi documents officer, will certainly give personal insights into the past time and the importance of events.

Following the official speeches, a prayer of peace will take place in the Nikolaikirche, which emphasizes the spiritual dimension of the celebrations. This is particularly symbolic because the Nikolaikirche played a central role during the protests in 1989 when many people found refuge and support there. The memories of these moving days are also kept alive through the light festival in the evening. Different artistic projects are planned along the historical demonstration route on the Leipzig inner city ring, which are intended to reflect on the events of then artistically and to raise awareness of the citizens to the preservation of democracy.

Review of the events of 1989

A look back into history shows that on October 9, 1989, around 70,000 people in Leipzig went on the streets and set a strong sign with the haunting calls "no violence" and "We are the people". These courageous actions by the citizens were crucial to form the resistance to the GDR regime. A few weeks later, on November 9, 1989, the wall fell, which marked the end of a tense conflict and the beginning of a new era for Germany.

Today's celebrations are not only a memory of this historical moment, but also a call to the generations of the future, to keep up the values ​​of freedom and unity. The fact that so many people came together in 1989 to stand peacefully for their rights remains an impressive example of the power of civil society and the unbroken desire for change.

These important categories of history can not only be seen in the speeches of the keynote speakers, but also by the shimmering lights and artistic representations that will be visible in the cityscape during the light festival. They will symbolize the colors of freedom and hope, while the citizens of Leipzig and beyond come together to celebrate, reflect and remember the power of joint action.

The celebrations also offer the opportunity to think about how important it is to participate in political and social development. At a time when various democratic values ​​are challenged, the memory of the peaceful revolution and the message of peace and love is more urgent than ever.

The processing of the events remains relevant because it promotes awareness of today's challenges based on stable democratic principles. Against this background, it becomes clear that what started in Leipzig in 1989 has worked far beyond the borders of the GDR at that time. The events there are part of a greater story of democracy and human rights in Europe.

For more information offers www.deutschlandfunk.de Detailed reporting on today's events and their importance. The memories of the peaceful revolution invite you to raise your own voice in society and to actively stand up for freedom and justice.