Dresden, 13 February – a framework for remembrance
Many people, initiatives and institutions in Dresden find it important to commemorate the destruction of Dresden in February 1945. As part of a wide-spread, lively culture of remembrance, various key players have tackled the topic of Dresden as a place of remembrance based on all kinds of different viewpoints and convictions.
For some years now, these activities have been linked to a joint framework for events: during preparations for the 60th anniversary of the destruction of Dresden in 2005, a set of principles were compiled which unite the vast majority in their commemorations of the event. This manifesto, "Dresden, 13 February – A Framework for Remembrance" has since received widespread support. The joint actions in 2010 by the democratic public of Dresden are also in the context of this programme.
Authors and supporters
The text of "Dresden, 13 February – a Framework for Remembrance" is the result of civic action-taking: it was created by a group of Dresden citizens. They represent institutions and initiatives which have dealt in various ways with the history of our city under National Socialism and in the war.
The text was first presented to the public on 22 September 2004 in Dresden city hall. In 2004 alone, hundreds of people from Dresden – including numerous figures from all walks of public life in the city – marked their approval by signing it.