Before Peace Day: Traditional invitation to "children of war"
This afternoon, around 150 so-called "war children", Chemnitz residents who experienced 5 March and the Second World War in our city, were invited to the Chemnitzer Hof. World War II in our city were invited to the Chemnitzer Hof for a chat over coffee and cake. Mayor Barbara Ludwig has been inviting these special contemporary witnesses before Peace Day on 5 March since 2018.
Following another appeal to share memories with younger generations, the Mayor's Office received an overwhelmingly large number of submissions this year: almost 200 letters, reports or personal memories of the night of the bombing on 5 March 1945.
5 March 1945.
Lord Mayor Barbara Ludwig: "The "war children" describe their experiences in a moving way. It is important to hold on to these memories, to preserve them for future generations and to make them accessible. Looking at developments around the world, this is more important than it has ever been in recent decades. We need the memories in order to draw the right conclusions for a peaceful future."
Some of the contemporary witnesses will also be welcomed on 5 March in the town council chamber of the town hall, when the films "Children at War" (2 and 4 pm) and "The Last Witnesses" (3 and 5 pm) will be shown. There will then be an opportunity to talk to them.
Note for editorial offices: The press office will be happy to put you in touch with contemporary witnesses for pre-reporting on the Peace Day.