Memorial bike tour through Schönebeck: Remembering and cycling for peace!

Memorial bike tour through Schönebeck: Remembering and cycling for peace!

On June 26, 2025, not only will the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War be honored, but also the successes of European integration and the UN will be celebrated. The celebrations are part of the large-scale project “Bike the Line – Commemorative Bike Tour 2025”, which deals with the war and its consequences. This special cycle tour stretches along the former demarcation line from Wismar to Vienna and aims to keep the memory of key historical events alive.

Events are planned for June 30 and July 10, 2025 in Schönebeck, where the city is also a stop on the route. The start of the tour is celebrated with a children's university in Wismar before the cyclists arrive at the end of the route at the UN building in Vienna. In addition to the sportiness of the bike tour, there will also be lectures: On June 30th, Prof. Dr. Herbert Witte talks about the course of the war in Central Germany, while Britta Meldau presents the results of her research in the Schönebeck city archives on July 10th. It is clear that these commemorative events are not only intended to provide historical facts, but also to encourage people to reflect on their own history. Meldau emphasizes that Schönebeck escaped destruction at the hands of the Americans with courageous citizens.

keep memories alive

A vivid example of a culture of remembrance is the bike tour in Swisttal in North Rhine-Westphalia, which commemorates the flood disaster two years ago. Under the motto “Ten trees – ten places”, memorial trees were planted in the ten districts of the community. This type of tree is not only a symbol of hope, but also a memorial to those affected by the catastrophic floods. Mayor Petra Kalkbrenner emphasizes the importance of decentralized places of remembrance.

The bike tour enables participants to hear the stories of those affected and to actively engage with the past. The stories of Wolfgang Kusch and Dieter Trammer are particularly moving. Kusch took part in the tour to remember loved ones affected by the flood, while Trammer recounted the personal losses in his basement. The bike tour aims to strengthen the community and establish places of remembrance in every district.

Understanding the perspectives of the past

Culture of remembrance plays a role not only at the local level, but also in the European context. The Documentation Center in Berlin will hold an event on May 13, 2025 on the subject of forced relocations during and after the Second World War. The lack of knowledge about Nazi Germany's war of extermination in Eastern Europe is discussed here.

In the current debate between Germany and Poland, the memory of the victims of the Nazi occupation should play a central role. The need to use different perspectives on the end of the Second World War and its effects on the present was emphasized. This relevant discussion strengthens cohesion and promotes solidarity in Europe, which is becoming increasingly important in the context of the more tense relationship with Russia.

In summary, it can be said that initiatives such as “Bike the Line” and the memorial campaigns in Swisttal not only raise historical awareness, but also set an example for the urgency of the culture of remembrance in a constantly changing world. The exchange about the past and present remains essential.