On Thursday, 8 May at 3 pm, Lord Mayor Sven Schulze invites to commemorate the end of the Second World War 80 years ago at the "Europe - remember and think ahead" memorial at the bench for Justin Sonder on Brühl (Brühl 46). All Chemnitz residents and guests of the city are invited to take part.
The event, one of the highlights of Europe Week, will take place outdoors and is open to the public. Registration is not required. Admission is free. Representatives of the media are also invited.
In addition to Lord Mayor Sven Schulze, State Parliament President Alexander Dierks, US Consul General John R. Crosby, Anne-Lise Bagrel, First Counsellor of the French Embassy in Germany, and Nerys Jones from the Embassy of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland in Germany will be making speeches. Other embassy representatives and members of the consular corps as well as guests from Chemnitz's twin cities will also be in attendance.
The event will be accompanied by two dance performances by the Chemnitz Municipal Theatre Ballet, the Mejo Quartet consisting of members of the Robert Schumann Philharmonic Orchestra Chemnitz and a play from a cooperation project of the Chemnitz School Theatre Week of the Agricola-Gymnasium Chemnitz and the Görres-Gymnasium Düsseldorf.
The location at the Justin Sonder Bank was chosen deliberately. Justin Sonder, honorary citizen of Chemnitz and Auschwitz survivor, spent his life talking to young people, educating them, arousing interest, sensitising them and promoting democracy and openness to the world.
The programme of dance, drama and thoughts is intended to remind people of the causes and effects of the Second World War, but also to set an example for a peaceful and colourful Chemnitz and for cohesion, diversity and peace.
More information about Europe Week: www.chemnitz.de/europawoche
More information about Justin Sonder: www.chemnitz.de/justinsonder