Minute's silence in the state parliament for victims of the Second World War

The Saxon state parliament commemorated all victims of the Second World War with a minute's silence. The occasion was the air raids on Dresden 80 years ago. Up to 25,000 people lost their lives when the city on the Elbe was bombed by British and American bombers on February 13, 1945 and in the two days that followed. In a short speech, Alexander Dierks, President of the State Parliament, also recalled Germany's responsibility for the Second World War.

"Thousands of lives were wiped out, others were lucky enough to escape the inferno," said Dierks. Jews were able to tear the Yellow Star off their clothes and go into hiding that night. Large parts of the historic city center and the adjacent residential areas were destroyed at the time.

"However, we should not forget that the National Socialists themselves ignited the inferno that this city experienced on 13 and 14 February with words and deeds. From September 1, 1939, they waged an apocalyptic war of extermination with millions of dead. This war returned to Germany in 1945 at the latest."

According to Dierks, it will not be possible to rewrite the history of Dresden, the scars will remain. The state parliament also bears responsibility for the present. This includes continuing to foster reconciliation and friendship with other countries. "For us, 80 years since the end of the war means 80 years of peace with our European neighbors. This peace is precious."