Commemorating Stauffenberg: Resistance against darkness in Potsdam

Commemorating Stauffenberg: Resistance against darkness in Potsdam

This year, July 20, marks the 81st anniversary of the failed assassination attempt on Adolf Hitler, a momentous moment in the history of German resistance against the Nazi regime. To mark this anniversary, various commemorative events are taking place in Potsdam and the surrounding area, primarily dedicated to the group around Count von Stauffenberg. This group tried to bring about a change in German politics through the assassination attempt.

The commemorative events start on July 17th at 6 p.m. with a performance discussion in the Brandenburg Museum, at which the art historian Ellen Kobe as well as researchers and artists will talk about the topic of “Stauffenberg's Bag”. Among those expected are Andres Veiel, the well-known documentary filmmaker, Claudia Geisler-Bading, an actress and professor, and Magnus Pahl, a Bundeswehr officer and military historian. The event is free, but places are limited, which should ensure that those interested register promptly.

Memories of Georg Alexander Hansen and other events

On July 19th at 3 p.m. there will be a memorial hour for Georg Alexander Hansen in the Bornstedt Church. Hansen played a central role in the planning process of the assassination. This service is led by his daughter Frauke Hansen and historian Franziska Bartl, while Pastor Friedhelm Wizisla leads the service. An annual tour of the cemetery to the graves of Nazi opponents is also planned, which commemorates the courageous women and men who rebelled against the regime.

On the same day at 6 p.m., a memorial service will be celebrated in the Garrison Church, during which John Zimmermann will provide historical contexts for resistance and remembrance. A central topic will be the exchange about the commemoration of July 20th. On July 20th at 5 p.m. there will be a panel discussion in the Potsdam Film Museum dedicated to the topic of “Film and Resistance”. Among the interviewees are Johannes von Moltke and director Hava Kohav Beller. Beller will also hand over her film collection to the Deutsche Kinemathek.

Following the conversation, the feature film “In Love, Your Hilde” will be shown, which also deals with the themes of resistance and rebellion. On July 21st there will be an official commemoration in honor of Henning von Tresckow in the barracks named after him in Geltow, in which Brigitte Meier, Potsdam's social councilor, will take part.

The resistance against Hitler's regime

The assassination attempt on July 20, 1944 was not only one of the most famous, but also the most important coup attempt by the military resistance against the Nazi regime. Claus Schenk Graf von Stauffenberg, who planted the bomb in his briefcase, was a central figure and had access to Hitler's briefings. Unfortunately, the plan failed as Hitler survived the explosion at the Wolf's Lair headquarters with minor injuries.

The conspirators were recruited from various strata of German society, particularly the nobility and the Wehrmacht, and they sought to bring about a change of power in order to overthrow the regime. Unfortunately, poor communication among the conspirators and delayed decisions led to the failure of “Operation Valkyrie,” which was intended to provide cover for a coup. After the failed assassination attempt, over 200 people were executed, and Nazi propaganda made the conspirators traitors to the country, which greatly influenced public perception of the assassination attempt.

Commemorative events like the one in Potsdam help keep the memories of resistance against the Nazi regime alive and impart important lessons for today's society. Such initiatives are of great importance, especially at a time when history is at risk of being forgotten.

Overall, the coming days will be dedicated to commemoration and reflection on the courageous resistance in a dark time in history that still affects us today.