Trees commemorate Nazi victims
Only in July did unknown persons damage a total of 13 memorial trees in three attacks. They were dedicated, among other things, to children who had been killed in Buchenwald and to six prisoners who were named. The attacks triggered a wave of outrage, but also solidarity and helpfulness.
The inclusive memorial project, in which a total of 1,000 trees are to be planted over the next few years, was launched by the Lebenshilfe-Werk Weimar/Apolda in 1999, the city of culture year. Among other things, it is intended to commemorate the death marches of the concentration camp prisoners in Buchenwald. According to the initiators, a total of 168 trees have been planted in 72 planting campaigns since the project began. With the 73rd tree planting by Ramelow and Roth, the project has now gained two more beeches.
Politicians call for vigilance
“168 trees have been planted and will continue to grow until we reach 1,000 trees,” Roth said. When in doubt, those who destroyed trees did not remain in the dark, according to Ramelow. “That’s why it won’t be enough if we promise to plant two new ones on every desecrated tree. We have to talk out loud about what it means in our society if you look the other way,” said Ramelow. Weimar Mayor Peter Kleine (independent) said he hoped that civil society would remain vigilant and pick up the phone and report any such or similar acts.
Tens of thousands killed in concentration camps
The Buchenwald memorial commemorates the approximately 56,000 people who were killed there during the Nazi era. In total, more than 76,000 men, women and children died at the hands of the Nazis in the Buchenwald and Mittelbau-Dora camps, which are also in Thuringia. More than 340,000 people from all over Europe were deported to the camps and their satellite camps. On April 11, 1945, the camp near Weimar was liberated by US troops.