Flag rings to commemorate: June 17th - the uprising of freedom

Flag rings to commemorate: June 17th - the uprising of freedom

On Tuesday, June 17, 2025, the flags are being raised all over Germany. This is done to commemorate the popular uprising in the GDR, which took place more than 70 years ago and still has a special place in the hearts of people today. As the Schwäbische Zeitung reports that all of the federal government and the corporations and foundations of public law calls the flags to to set a visible sign of the memory.

But what happened on this mighty day in 1953? At that time, around one million people rose against the oppressive conditions in the GDR. Initially in protest against the increase in work standards by 10 percent of the Socialist Unity Party (SED) on May 28, a nationwide uprising developed that rages in the big cities such as East Berlin and Leipzig. According to the Federal Center for Political Education this was the first mass survey in the area of ​​influence of the Soviet Union, while the population lived under confidentiality and repression. Almost the entire population, including the young people, reported their resentment loudly and demanded the resignation of the government as well as free and secret elections.

the escalation and brutal suppression

The popular uprising really picked up speed on the morning of June 17, 1953. People formed in demonstration trains, while the detention centers and police stations were stormed at the same time. The House of History describes the protests as largely peaceful, but the SED leaders Roll up in the streets of East Berlin. The state of emergency was imposed, and the reaction was brutal: at least 55 people, including demonstrators and members of the security forces, lost their lives. As a result, up to 15,000 people were arrested and 1,800 of the protesters were sentenced until 1955.

The uprising not only left grief and sadness, but also a strong feeling of the community among the demonstrators. Despite the defeat, the resistance was a sign of dissatisfaction with the socialist regime, which has suffered from massive political and economic difficulties since it was founded. The SED had also failed to respond to the needs of the population, which led to supply bottlenecks and food rationing. All of these problems culminated in the protests of June 17th.

a lasting inheritance

June 17th was no longer celebrated as a holiday after reunification, but never lost its importance as a national day of commemoration. Despite the deletion of this legal holiday in 1990, the day in the memories of people remains alive. It stands for the struggle for freedom and the longing for unity, even if the GDR leadership defamed the uprisings.
October 3 was finally officially introduced as the day of German unity.

Today's funeral march and the flags are having a sign of memories, but also a request to fight for freedom and not to repeat the mistakes of the past. The 1953 uprising was a powerful sign that even in repressive regimes, the desire for freedom and human rights can never fall silent.