Dresden and Cottbus Mark 80th Anniversary of WWII Bombings with Calls for Reflection

Commemorations in Dresden and Cottbus emphasize the historical context of wartime destruction and the dangers of political misuse of remembrance.

Dresden commemorates the 80th anniversary of the February 1945 bombings that killed approximately 25,000 people, with events including a human chain, concerts, and a peace service.
Historians and officials stress the importance of acknowledging Dresden's role in the Nazi regime and caution against narratives that portray the city as an innocent victim.
Cottbus also observes the 80th anniversary of its bombing, which killed around 1,000 people, with events focusing on differing historical perspectives, including those of the Allies and the DDR.
Efforts to counter the appropriation of WWII bombing commemorations by right-wing groups remain central, with Dresden's human chain symbolizing resistance to extremism.
Criticism arises over the ritualization of remembrance events, with calls for deeper historical engagement and education to combat revisionist narratives.