Commemorating resistance: Oltmann calls for an end to right-wing extremism!

Commemorating resistance: Oltmann calls for an end to right-wing extremism!

On October 18, 2025, a significant memorial event took place in Berlin dedicated to the memory of the resistance fighters of the “Uprising of Conscience”. Under the leadership of district mayor Jörn Oltmann and Lieutenant Colonel Martin Gerdes, numerous citizens came together to acknowledge the important role of the resistance against the National Socialist regime and the lessons it has taught us for the present. Oltmann particularly emphasized the responsibility to learn from history and defend democracy.

In his speech, Oltmann discussed the current political situation in detail and emphasized the alarming results of the Office for the Protection of the Constitution, which has classified the AfD federal party as definitely right-wing extremist. He underlined this statement with an appeal to consider a party ban procedure in order to curb right-wing extremist ideology and protect democratic values.

The role of Martin Gerdes

Martin Gerdes, a member of the Stauffenberg Society, also took the floor and passionately campaigned for the memory of the “uprising of conscience”. Its goal is to make the memorial, which was built in the mid-1970s, better known and, in particular, to raise awareness among citizens and members of the Bundeswehr. He emphasized the personal and financial responsibility for the care of the cenotaph, which is an important historical site.

This commemorates the tragic events of July 20, 1944, when members of the resistance group in the Bendler Block were murdered. Their bodies were initially buried in the Old St. Matthew's Cemetery, but were later exhumed by the National Socialists, cremated and the ashes scattered at an unknown location. This makes the memory of these brave men and women all the more important.

Call to defend democracy

In a broader context, the descendants of Nazi resisters recently emphasized the need to defend democratic values, especially in times of rising right-wing radicalism. This call for vigilance and action highlights the urgency of integrating the lessons of the past into today's social actions. The events and public discourses surrounding Remembrance Day are part of this important debate that serves to maintain a vibrant and active democracy.

The memorial event in Tempelhof-Schöneberg not only represented a look back at history, but also addressed the challenges of the present. It became clear that the memory of resistance against injustice is also a call to actively shape today's society and its values.