Potsdam commemorates the victims of the popular uprising of June 17, 1953!

Potsdam commemorates the victims of the popular uprising of June 17, 1953!

Potsdam, Deutschland - in Potsdam, the 1953 popular uprising from 1953 in the GDR will be extensively recognized on Tuesday, June 17, 2025. On the occasion of this historical event, the city of Potsdam and the state government commemorate the victims who were killed in the protests. Mayor Burkhard Exner will speak a greeting at the Lindenstrasse memorial at 3 p.m. and highlight the basic importance of freedom and democratic values. The deputy prime minister and finance minister Robert Crumbach holds the commemorative speech and thus told the memory of the events of then reinforcement.

The popular uprising, which occurred in more than 700 municipalities, not only stays alive in the minds of contemporary witnesses, but also leaves deep traces in the files of the Federal Archives). Reports of the events were written by both the GDR and the Federal Republic and published in three volumes that illuminate the different perceptions and consequences of the uprising. Historian Ronny Heidenreich, research assistant in the Federal Archives, emphasizes how quickly information about the unrest came from east to west - thanks to refugees and spikes.

a bloody precipitation

The uprising was brutally depressed; The Soviet military and the People's Police proceeded without hesitation against the demonstrators. In Brandenburg, where the uprising took place in more than 150 locations, many people were arrested. In the Potsdam district alone, 215 people were arrested by state security. This led to a noticeable increase in monitoring measures by the Stasi domestic. At the memorial event, the inclusive ensemble with the play "Freiken" will also appear, musically accompanied by the saxophonist Christian Raake to give the victim of the past an artistic voice.

The memory of the nation

The memorial event is a valuable opportunity for everyone who deals with the history of the Nazi and GDR period and do not want to forget the teachings of the past. Mayor Exner and Minister Crumbach emphasize that it is not only about remembering, but also about defending freedom and justice - an appeal that is more relevant than ever today. Especially at a time when many people in different parts of the world fight for their basic rights, this day of remembrance comes with its message to freedom all the more.

The memory on June 17th offers us the opportunity to take a look back and reflect on how far we have come and what challenges are still ahead of us. It is an urgent call to protect the values that have defended many people with courage and determination - against oppression, violence and injustice.