Students from Pressath Middle School: Commemorating Flossenbürg for the 80th time

Students from Pressath Middle School: Commemorating Flossenbürg for the 80th time

On a cloudy day in Cologne, the eighth and ninth grade students from Pressath Middle School visited the Flossenbürg Memorial today. This happened on the occasion of the 80th anniversary of the liberation of the former concentration camp, which is being celebrated this year. The excursion, organized by teacher Jan Wiltsch and accompanied by Johanna Seifert and Wolfgang Veigl-Meyer, was an important step in confronting Germany's dark past.

In 1938, the first deportations of prisoners from the Dachau concentration camp began in order to set up a new camp in Flossenbürg. The decision was made because of the proximity to the Wurmstein quarry, where granite was mined to, among other things, build buildings for the Nazi party rally grounds in Nuremberg. The living conditions for the prisoners were appalling; Many had to work in the armaments industry under unimaginable circumstances until 1945. It is estimated that around 30,000 people died at the time, often as a result of hard work and mistreatment. The memorial visit allowed the students to experience the stories of these victims up close.

An impressive experience

During the tour, the students visited various areas of the memorial, including the washroom and the so-called camp brothel. The visit to the Valley of Death, where the bodies of the prisoners were burned in the crematorium, was particularly shocking. One student shared her thoughts about the day, saying it was "weird to have touched the ground where people were being tortured." Such honest reflections make it clear how important remembrance is.

The last few months have already brought about many activities around the topic of remembrance. The central commemoration of the 80th anniversary of the liberation took place on April 27, 2025. Over 1,000 guests from more than 20 countries, including six survivors, were in attendance. Prime Minister Dr. In his speech, Markus Söder emphasized the immense importance of remembrance and the ongoing fight against anti-Semitism and racism. The event not only remembered fallen prisoners, but also held interfaith ceremonies to bury discovered remains of prisoners.

A look back at history

The history of the concentration camps goes back to the time of the Reichstag Fire Ordinance in 1933, which led to the mass arrests of political opponents. The very first camps were set up shortly after the National Socialists came to power. In total, over 1,000 concentration camps were operated in Germany and the occupied territories, in which around 100,000 prisoners were held, with around 30,000 losing their lives. The systematic persecution of Jews, political prisoners and many other groups continues to shape the memory of this cruel time to this day.

The excursions such as the one at Pressath Middle School and the extensive commemorations ensure that the memory of the victims of the Flossenbürg concentration camp and the horrors of the Nazi regime remains alive. This is not only a responsibility towards the deceased, but also a call to vigilance for future generations.

For more information about the Flossenbürg Memorial and the activities surrounding the 80th anniversary of the liberation, visit the official website Flossenbürg Memorial. The detailed history of the concentration camps and their impact on society can also be found in the Wikipedia.