A day of remembrance and reflection: numerous people in Chemnitz commemorated the bombing of the city 78 years ago and the victims of the Second World War.
Chemnitz (dpa/sn) - Hundreds of people remembered the bombing of the city 78 years ago in Chemnitz on Sunday and thought of the victims of the Second World War. The peace day is also a day of reflection, said the mayor of Chemnitz for finance, human resources and education, Ralph Burghart, at a commemoration event in the municipal cemetery. "We bear a great responsibility for ensuring that what happened remains unforgotten and that the historical truth is passed on from generation to generation," said the CDU politician.
On March 5, 1945, parts of Chemnitz were destroyed in Allied air raids. According to the city, 2,100 people died in the flames and debris. More than 27,000 homes, many factories, offices and public buildings were destroyed.
According to initial police estimates, hundreds of people came to Chemnitz on the occasion of Peace Day. They attended readings, events and exhibitions. The organizers explained that they also wanted to set an example for peaceful coexistence, democracy and cosmopolitanism. The commemoration event took place for the 22nd time this year.
In the evening, the victims of past and present wars should also be commemorated on the Neumarkt. According to the city administration, war refugees wanted to report on their experiences and desires for peace. The commemorative event should then come to an end with the ringing of the Chemnitz church bells.
