It is a day that brings back memories: of courageous people who fought for a free and united Germany almost four decades ago. But it is also a day that shows what is currently at stake: Extremist forces threaten freedom and democracy, warned Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier in his speech on German Unity Day. “It also endangers our internal unity. And we can’t want that.”
It was precisely this inner unity that was noticeable at the celebration in Bremen: hundreds of thousands of people from all over Germany celebrated exuberantly and talked to each other. The wish of Federal Council President and host Andreas Bovenschulte came true: “The focus should be on a lot of people coming together and having a good time together,” the SPD politician had emphasized in advance.
Germany visits Bremen
Unity was celebrated for three days under the motto “Many strengths - one country”, with a church service, ceremony and a community festival. Bremen was chosen this year because the smallest federal state holds the presidency of the Bundesrat. Germany's political leaders traveled to the Hanseatic city, including the Federal President, Chancellor Friedrich Merz (CDU), Bundestag President Julia Klöckner (CDU), several ministers and heads of government from the federal states.
Around 400,000 visitors were expected - and that many actually accepted the invitation in sunny weather. Crowds of people strolled along the dike, where the federal states presented themselves with, among other things, an XXL wine box, a planetarium and queer Schuhplattler. By Saturday afternoon, the first stalls had to send hungry guests on their way; the Black Forest cherry cake from Baden-Württemberg, for example, was completely eaten.
In the evening, around 10,000 people celebrated at the Fantastischen Vier concert in the city center. Others crowded along the Weser, where house facades were bathed in colorful light and illuminated ships passed. On the last day, too, many guests floated around the festival grounds, met child stars like the mouse, competed in soap box races and relaxed in the sun on deck chairs.
Emotional speech by Steinmeier: “Have the courage to renew”
But serious tones were also struck on German Unity Day. In an emotional speech, the Federal President recalled reunification. Steinmeier appealed that this “moment of happiness in German history” should not be displaced by the challenges of the present. “We must never let this moment be forgotten.” Forgetting him would be treason, says Steinmeier.
Steinmeier urgently called for the defense of democracy. “I thought everyone had learned the lesson from history,” he said. Now he has to see how right-wing extremists want to erase the memory of the victims of the Holocaust. Politicians must ask themselves without mercy what was missed when so many people turned away and extremists found such a response.
At the same time, the head of state tried to encourage people. There have been many crises in the past decades that have been resolved. The key is political will to leave established routines. “Have the courage to renew!” he said in the direction of politics. It is important to act decisively - even in the face of headwinds. «Our Germany is a good country. Let's create an even better one!" he said at the end of his speech, for which he received a standing ovation.
Why the Bremen Town Musicians are a role model
The central celebrations began on Saturday with an ecumenical service on the theme “Many gifts - one spirit” and the famous fairy tale of the Bremen Town Musicians by the Brothers Grimm. The four animals - donkey, dog, cat and rooster - are so different and that is precisely why they depend on each other, preached Bernd Kuschnerus, church president of the Bremen Evangelical Church. “We can’t get any further alone.”
Osnabrück Bishop Dominicus Meier recalled that the Bremen Town Musicians had to reorient themselves - similar to today. Many felt overwhelmed, powerless and withdrawn. They must not be left alone, appealed Meier. “Let us understand that unity and cohesion only exist where people live it with attitude and conviction and stand against division and polarization.”
Selfies with political celebrities and valuable encounters
The service and ceremony with invited guests were broadcast live on television and shown on several screens on the festival grounds. If you were lucky, you could later get a selfie with top politicians and talk to them.
The so-called citizen delegates from all federal states, who were invited as guests of honor as thanks for their voluntary commitment, had a little more time with the Federal President, Chancellor and President of the Federal Council. “I actually find Frank-Walter Steinmeier most impressive,” said Svenja Böning from the Bremen delegation about the meeting. “It was very approachable, very friendly, we laughed a lot.” Over the last few days she has spoken to people from all over Germany and was able to gain a lot of impressions. “This is of course a huge honor.”
Cleanliness, safety and a strong balance sheet: “I was really amazed”
To ensure that everything ran smoothly, thousands of people were on duty around the clock. While most of the guests recovered from the impressions, street cleaning employees removed traces of the festival in the darkness. Nursing staff and doctors worked additional shifts in the hospitals, and numerous emergency services went on patrol.
During demonstrations on the sidelines of the holiday there were individual attacks on the police and temporary arrests. Two gay men were attacked on their way home; Masked people burned a German flag and set off firecrackers and Bengalos. But there were no major disruptions - as previously announced by the left-wing extremist scene. “We not only had a happy, but also a safe celebration,” said Bremen’s Interior Senator Eva Högl (SPD).
Host Andreas Bovenschulte was also enthusiastic. “It sounds a bit strange when you say that about your own event. But I have to say, I was really amazed," said the Federal Council President, before symbolically handing over the baton to his designated successor, North Rhine-Westphalia's Prime Minister Hendrik Wüst (CDU). Dismantling will begin in Bremen in the next few days - before unity is celebrated in Düsseldorf next year.
