Flags hoist on June 17: commemorating the uprising of the GDR!

On June 17, 1953, citizens of the GDR rose against oppression. This historical uprising shaped German unity.
On June 17, 1953, citizens of the GDR rose against oppression. This historical uprising shaped German unity. (Symbolbild/NAG)

Flags hoist on June 17: commemorating the uprising of the GDR!

Ost-Berlin, Deutschland - On June 17th, the anniversary of the popular uprising in the GDR will be celebrated in Germany in 1953. On this important date, the Federal Ministry of the Interior called for the flagship of all federal authorities. Bodies, institutions and foundations of public law that are under the supervision of the federal government should also raise flags to remind you of the events of that time. This is not only a legal measure, but also a sign of commemoration and solidarity with the brave at that time.

What happened on this moving day? The popular uprising on June 17, 1953 was the reaction to state arbitrariness and the oppression by the SED. It all started with protests by workers who soon expanded to mass protests in over 700 cities and municipalities. With around one million participants, this was the first major mass survey in the area of ​​influence of the Soviet Union. The demonstrators called for fundamental political changes, such as the resignation of the government, free elections and the unity of Germany.

The suppression of the uprising

The SED reaction to the protests was not long in coming. Supported by the Soviet military, the party violently reflected the demonstrations. On June 17, 1953, Soviet troops intervened in East Berlin, and the Situation escalated in violent clashes. A total of at least 55 people were killed, including 34 demonstrators and 5 members of the security organs. Freedom was withdrawn around 1,600 other people, which led to systematic repression and arrests.

facts about the uprising of June 17, 1953
Number of cities with protests over 700
Number of participants around 1,000,000
killed in the suppression at least 55
detained after the uprising over 15,000

inheritance and memory

The popular uprising had far -reaching consequences not only for the GDR, but also for the entire Federal Republic of Germany. June 17th was celebrated from 1954 until the reunification in 1990 as the "Day of German Unity", but today is a national day of commemoration. Although the SED defamed the uprising as a "fascist attempted coup", the memory of this eventful time remained alive in the hearts of many people. Even today, this day is an important sign against oppression and for freedom.

In summary, it can be said that June 17, 1953 is not just a date in the history book, but is also a significant part of German identity. The courage of the demonstrators at the time should stimulate us today, to stand up for our values ​​and beliefs and to campaign for an open society. The memory of this is indispensable. On this day on which the flags are hoisted, not only is the courageous use of the people from 1953, but also a signal for the future.

Schwäbische.de reported that the popular uprising had already left its roots in the repressive policy of the SED by the end of May 1953. According to bpb.de , the GDR suffered significantly to the riots from supply bottlenecks and the increase in working norms. And wikipedia added that the uprising also acted as an important signal for other Eastern Bloc countries.

Details
OrtOst-Berlin, Deutschland
Quellen