Stumbling block for Gertrud Meyer: Honoring a courageous resistance fighter

Stumbling block for Gertrud Meyer: Honoring a courageous resistance fighter

In the downtown Lübeck, a stumbling block has now been moved, reminiscent of the resistance fighter Gertrud Meyer (1914-2002). Meyer was an important figure in resistance to National Socialism and long -time life partner of the later Chancellor Willy Brandt. Your commemoration should make a contribution to honor your tireless efforts against fascism and its steadfastness.

Bei der Verlegung des Stolpersteins äußerte Gerhard Eikenbusch von der Lübecker Initiative für Stolpersteine, dass diese Gedenktafel nicht nur an Meyers Verfolgung und ihr Exil erinnere, sondern auch an ihren Mut. Meyer already entered the socialist workers' youth (SAJ) as a teenager, where she met Willy Brandt. Her political activity began at a young age and remained all her life.

resistance and exile

1933, only shortly after the National Socialists' seizure of power, was detained for five weeks because of her political beliefs. Then she decided to go to Norway to continue her resistance. The beginning of this exile was of great importance for them and Brandt because they fought together for their ideals. Meyer came to the United States in 1939, where she had to travel without Brandt due to professional obligations. The relationship between the two was increasingly burdened during this time, especially by Brandt's new connection, which Meyer knew nothing.

After the Second World War, Meyer returned to Norway, where she finally settled. Despite the difficult circumstances she had to live through, she remained politically active. In Norway, she worked as a secretary and language stenographer and continued to work for her beliefs. Her life finally led her in Oslo until her death in 2002, where she was 89 years old.

The stumbling blocks that are laid in Germany and beyond are a regular memory of the victims of National Socialism. They were initiated by the artist Gunter Demnig, who has been entering brass memorial plates since 1992 into the sacrificial places in front of the places of the victims at the time. The stumbling block for Gertrud Meyer is part of this important initiative, which is now present in 1265 municipalities in Germany and in 21 other European countries.

Reporting about Gertrud Meyer and the stumbling blocks contribute to keeping the stories of people from the Nazi era alive. These memories are not only important for today's generations, but should also encourage future generations to think about the values of freedom and justice, for whom people like Meyer have used their lives.