Suche
Mein Konto
Commemorating the resistance: 81 years after the Hitler assassination attempt in Berlin
On July 20, 2025, Berlin honored the resistance against National Socialism. Matthias Brandt and other speakers reflected on courage and responsibility.
Commemorating the resistance: 81 years after the Hitler assassination attempt in Berlin
On July 20, 2025, the federal government in Berlin will commemorate the resistance against the National Socialist regime, in particular the failed assassination attempt on Adolf Hitler in 1944. Matthias Brandt, son of former Chancellor Willy Brandt, gave the speech at the memorial event in the Bendlerblock, where the execution of Claus Schenk Graf von Stauffenberg and his co-conspirators took place after the failed assassination attempt. In his speech, Brandt emphasized the responsibility that the people bear to avert any further “monstrous horror” from Germany. This reminder was very well received, and Federal Justice Minister Stefanie Hubig (SPD) also emphasized that remembering this day is not an everyday occurrence, but rather represents an appeal to society to take a stand against racism and exclusion.
81 years ago, on July 20, 1944, Wehrmacht officers, including Stauffenberg, attempted to kill Hitler with a bomb to end Nazi rule and end World War II. The plan failed, and Stauffenberg and three of his co-conspirators were shot that same evening in the courtyard of the Bendler Block, while many other resistance fighters lost their lives in Berlin-Plötzensee. Over 2,800 people were executed in this notorious prison between 1933 and 1945. In his speech, Berlin's Governing Mayor Kai Wegner (CDU) praised the “great courage” of the resistance fighters and the immense risk to their lives that they took on themselves.
Reminder and reminder
The anniversary of the attack offers an opportunity to remember the dangers of intolerance and extremism. Matthias Brandt made it clear that society must remain vigilant in order to counteract the resurgence of racism and exclusion. This message is particularly relevant today. “We have to ensure that future generations learn from history,” emphasized Brandt.
Minister of State for Culture Wolfram Weimer (independent) also referred to the relatives of the resistance fighters, who often showed great courage and suffered tragic fates in the process. The day of remembrance is traditionally celebrated in the Federal Republic, and even 75 years after the attack, a ceremony is taking place in Berlin to commemorate the resistance against national injustice.
The commemoration of July 20th is an important part of the Germans' collective memory in order not to forget the horrors of the past and to send a clear signal against forgetting. Further information about the memorial events and the meaning of resistance can be found in the articles from ZDF and nau.ch.