Dresden Marks 80th Anniversary of Bombing with Calls for Peace and Resistance to Extremism

The city commemorates the 1945 destruction with events promoting democracy, while countering attempts by extremists to exploit the tragedy.

Dresden commemorated the 80th anniversary of the 1945 bombing with ceremonies, including a human chain of 10,000 people symbolizing peace and unity.
Officials, including Oberbürgermeister Dirk Hilbert, emphasized the importance of resisting the misuse of the tragedy for extremist agendas and preserving democratic values.
Right-wing extremists have attempted to exploit the anniversary, prompting significant counter-protests and a strong police presence to manage potential clashes.
The city highlighted the dual responsibility of remembering the victims while acknowledging historical accountability for Nazi atrocities that led to the war.
Educational initiatives, such as a new interactive learning path, aim to engage younger generations in understanding Dresden’s history and promoting reconciliation.