Chemnitz Peace Day 2023
City society commemorates the bombing 78 years ago and the victims of wars in Ukraine and other countries around the world
Several hundred people from Chemnitz commemorated the bombing and destruction of the city 78 years ago and the victims of the Second World War as well as the victims of wars in Ukraine and other countries around the world with events and actions today, 5 March, under the motto "Peace for the city - a city for peace".
Mayor Ralph Burghart welcomed the participants to the main event on the market square in the evening. In his speech, Burghart emphasised how important the daily struggle for peace is: "We had to learn that peace cannot be taken for granted. The terrible images that have been going around the world almost every day since 24 February 2022 are shocking. That is understandable and important. But with weapons and bombs dominating everyday life in Ukraine and other countries around the world, mere consternation is no longer enough. Signs must be set. Signs that the will of the people is different. Signs of peace. Every day we have to fight for peace in the world, but also for peace with each other. Everyone can help to preserve peace in their own way, stand up for its preservation and protect it. This applies not only to peace in the world, but also to peace in our city, in Chemnitz. Even if it is sometimes difficult, we have to talk to each other and promote dialogue."
The guest speaker at the event was the deputy mayor of the Polish twin city of Łódź, Alexander Wiecorek. Influenced by current events, the honorary citizen of the city of Chemnitz, Christoph Magirius, gave an impressive speech in favour of peace.
The entire Peace Day in Chemnitz was characterised by numerous activities organised by the Peace Day working group and other civil society actors:
Traditionally, the day began with the commemoration ceremony in the morning at the municipal cemetery. Wreaths were laid at the memorial to the victims of the bombing of the city of Chemnitz, while contemporary witnesses recounted their childhood memories of the night of the bombing on 5 March 1945.
Lauf-KulTour e. V. and Stadtsportbund Chemnitz e. V. launched the "Sign of Peace" project at Neumarkt. The runners drew a peace sign on the Chemnitz city map in a sporty ten kilometre run.
From midday, the Chemnitz Peace Day working group was present on Neumarkt and collected wishes for peace. Various exhibitions could be seen on construction fences. With the support of Aktion C, peace banners made by Chemnitz schoolchildren once again adorned the market square.
The Chemnitz Peace Day traditionally ends in the evening with a peace service in the City and Market Church of St Jakobi and the commemorative ringing of all Chemnitz churches at 9 pm.
More impressions of today here.