The Remodeled Monument for the 13th of February: Dresden’s Changes to the Inscription on Altmarkt
Recent developments in Dresden have brought about changes to the memorial for the 13th of February. The memorial, located in Altmarkt, has seen the removal of the monument and alterations to the inscription on a stele. This decision has sparked reactions from various political figures.
A Disputed Memorial Site
The Altmarkt square in Dresden has long been a place of remembrance for the bombings that occurred during the Second World War. The sandstone wall of the underground garage entrance used to bear a commemorative inscription, while the pavement of the market featured an embedded metal trace created by artist Einhart Grotegut in 2005. A stele was also meant to provide explanation and context to the memorial site. However, the memorial inscription has been destroyed, and the stele has been altered, sparking ongoing discussions and investigations into what exactly transpired.
Political Reactions
The changes to the memorial have prompted a range of reactions from political figures in Dresden. Dirk Hilbert, a member of the FDP, previously laid flowers at the Altmarkt and has voiced his concerns about the alterations. Politicians from various parties are engaging in discussions regarding the implications and future of the remodeled memorial.
As the investigations into the changes to the Monument for the 13th of February continue, Dresden finds itself embroiled in a discourse about the significance and portrayal of historical events. The city will await the resolution of these discussions to determine the fate of the memorial and preserve a respectful remembrance of the tragic events that took place on that fateful day.