Memory of Stauffenberg: Resistance to darkness in Potsdam

Memory of Stauffenberg: Resistance to darkness in Potsdam

Potsdam, Deutschland - On July 20th anniversary this year the failed assassination attempt on Adolf Hitler, a serious moment in the history of German resistance against the Nazi regime. Various memorial events take place in Potsdam and the surrounding area on the occasion of this anniversary, which are primarily dedicated to the group around Graf von Stauffenberg. This group tried to make a turn in German politics through the assassination attempt.

The memorial events start on July 17 at 6 p.m. with a performance discussion in the Brandenburg Museum, in which the art historian Ellen Kobe and researcher and artist will talk about the topic of “Stauffenberg's bag”. Andres Veiel, the well-known documentary filmmaker, Claudia Geisler-Bading, an actress and professor, as well as Magnus Pahl, Bundeswehr officer and military historian are expected. The event is free of charge, but the places are limited, which should take place promptly in the event of interested parties.

memories of Georg Alexander Hansen and other events

On July 19 at 3 p.m. there will be a commemoration for Georg Alexander Hansen in the Bornstedter church. Hansen played a central role in the planning process of the assassination. This prayer is managed by his daughter Frauke Hansen and historian Franziska Bartl, while Pastor Friedhelm Wizisla leads the prayer. In addition, an annual tour of the cemetery for the graves of the Nazi opponents, which is reminiscent of the brave women and men who rebelled against the regime.

On the same day at 6 p.m., a memorial is celebrated in the garrison church, in which John Zimmermann conveys historical contexts for resistance and commemoration. A central topic will be the exchange about the memory of July 20. On July 20 itself, a panel discussion will take place in the Potsdam Film Museum at 5 p.m., which is dedicated to the topic of "film and resistance". Among the interlocutors are Johannes von Moltke and director Hava Kohav Beller. Beller is also handed over to her cinematic preliminary of the German Kinemathek.

Following the conversation, the feature film "In Love, Your Hilde", which also deals with the topics of resistance and refusal. On July 21, an official commemoration follows in honor of Henning von Tresckow in the barracks named after him in Geltow, in which Brigitte Meier, the social deputy of Potsdam, will take part.

The resistance to Hitler's regime

The attack of July 20, 1944 was not only one of the best known, but also the most important attempted overthrow in military resistance to the Nazi regime. Claus Schenk Graf von Stauffenberg, who placed the bomb in his briefcase, was a central figure and had access to Hitler's position. Unfortunately, the plan failed because Hitler survived the explosion in the Wolfschanze Fuid district with minor injuries.

The conspirators had recruited from different layers of German society, especially from the nobility and the Wehrmacht, and they tried to bring about a change of power to overthrow the regime. Unfortunately, inadequate communication among conspirators and late decisions made the failure of the "Operation Valkyrie", which should offer backing for a coup d'état. After the failed assassination attempt, over 200 people were executed, and the Nazi propaganda made the conspirators into regional ranks, which strongly influenced the public perception of the assassination.

memorial events such as those in Potsdam help to ensure that the memories of resistance to the Nazi regime remain alive and important teachings for today's society are conveyed. Such initiatives are of great importance, especially at a time when they are atrested in history.

Overall, the coming days are in the sign of commemoration and reflection on the courageous resistance in a dark time of history that still affects us today.