Messages of peace and stumbling blocks: Anti-war day in Wilhelmshaven

Messages of peace and stumbling blocks: Anti-war day in Wilhelmshaven

On September 1st, numerous people gathered in Wilhelmshaven to celebrate Anti-War Day. This annual memorial event was organized by the German Trade Union Confederation (DGB) and was characterized by urgent messages for peace and against forgetting. An important place for the meeting was Wilhelm-Krökel-Platz, named after a social democrat who was murdered by the National Socialists. Here Hans Wiesner, the chairman of the youth parliament, recalled the growing importance of peace, especially in view of the critical reporting in the media. His words were clear: “If there were peace, Anti-War Day would be unnecessary.” NWZonline reports, that Wiesner also denounced the ignorance of the climate crisis and spoke out against compulsory military service. He described the war as “a disease” that must be overcome and called for a “pro-peace day” instead of the anti-war day.

The event also included a moving walk to the stumbling blocks for the Fränkel family, who were persecuted because of their Jewish faith. Imke Fischer and Swantje Timmermann from the Cäcilienschule were committed to this stumbling block project, in which a total of 20 stumbling blocks were laid, with another 20 on the horizon. These stones are a reminder of the extensive persecution under the National Socialist regime, and Mayor Feist took this opportunity to recognize the achievements of the students who had been committed to the project since spring 2024. The artist Gunter Demning, who was personally present at the laying, carried out the action and underlined the importance of the culture of remembrance.

A day of remembrance

At Synagogue Square, Dorothee Wieborg and students from the Cäcilienschule read from letters with wishes for peace. These messages have been placed in a time capsule to be opened at the next Anti-War Day. Such actions are not only an expression of remembrance, but also of the desire for a more peaceful future.

The Anti-War Day, which is important in the German spectrum, was founded in 1957 as a day of action. Frankly, it is a day that many remember: the horrors of war and the tireless desire for peace. October is peppered with other peace commemorations, but September 1st remains a particularly important date to keep alive the sacrifices and lessons of the wars. In this day and age, when suspensions for peace cannot be taken for granted, this day has lost none of its relevance. Wikipedia explains that Anti-War Day was originally created to commemorate the beginning of the Second World War, but now also serves as a day of commitment to peace and against war.

In Wilhelmshaven this year, Anti-War Day came to life with a mixture of memories, current challenges and the constant pursuit of peace. It remains to be hoped that the words and actions of the numerous participants will not fade into silence, but will leave a lasting impression on society.