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Commemoration at the Ostlandkreuz: 80 years after the war - memories remain!
On November 3rd, 2025, a memorial service for war dead and displaced persons took place in Miltenberg at the Ostlandkreuz, 75 years after the memorial was erected.
Commemoration at the Ostlandkreuz: 80 years after the war - memories remain!
On November 3, 2025, a solemn memorial event was held at the Ostlandkreuz, which commemorated both the end of the Second World War 80 years ago and the founding of the Silesian Country Team 75 years ago. This event kept alive the memory of the many victims and the 15 million Germans who were displaced. Main Echo reports that Christian Kuznik, the district chairman of the Silesian Regional Association, emphasized in his speech how important it is to learn from the past.
Kuznik remembered the many dead, abducted and disappeared people and at the same time thanked those who helped the displaced people. Former mayor Joachim Bieber gave his 25th speech on this day of remembrance and looked back on the construction of the memorial, which was created 75 years ago. He emphasized that the city of Miltenberg and the city council supported this initiative.
A place of remembrance
The cross, which serves as a memorial, not only stands for remembrance, but also for the city's responsibility towards its newly arrived fellow citizens. On October 16, 1950, the city council approved the construction of the cross, and the twin town relationship with Dux was established in 1960. Joachim Bieber affirmed the necessity of the cross and saw it as a memorial for the “right to a homeland”.
As part of the event, there was a suggestion to install an explanation board, which was positively received by Christian Kuznik. But the district chairman also expressed concerns about the future of this commemoration, as fewer and fewer contemporary witnesses are present. One of the last contemporary witnesses is Erich Lorenz, who is 93 years old and remembers the first commemoration 75 years ago.
Musical accompaniment and memories
The Miltenberg town band provided musical support for the celebration and has been a constant companion at these commemorative events since 1950. Wolfgang Farrenkopf, who has played in the band since 1965, emphasizes the cohesion and tradition associated with these celebrations.
The culture of remembrance in Germany has developed greatly since the first memorials were built shortly after the events of flight and expulsion in West Germany. Many memorials and monuments are an expression of gratitude to the host communities and are intended to keep the memory of the deceased relatives and friends alive. Information about existing memorials and their historical background can be found on the website League of Expellees be obtained.
The Ostlandkreuz remains an important place for reflection on the past and shows that the memory of fate and responsibility for the future are still important today.