Looking back. Looking ahead. 2020-2025

152   SPEECHES | DESCENDANTS Descendants ©Bavarian State Parliament Photo Archive / S. Obermeier Ladies and Gentlemen, My great-grandfather, Julian Barty ś , was a prisoner in the Dachau concentration camp. After two years, he was trans- ferred to the Hartheim killing centre, where he was murdered. He had taught philosophy at Polish schools, but those insti- tutions were soon shut down by the Gestapo, so he joined a secret teachers’ organisation. The clandestine lessons were held in small groups in private homes and were ruthlessly per- secuted by the occupiers. The teachers involved always worked under the threat of death. His dedication and involvement in acts of resistance led to his arrest while he was on his way home, and he was ultimately deported to Dachau. The whole family waited for him, hoping for his return. Around two years passed before they received the heartbreaking message that he had supposedly died of pneumonia in the Dachau concentration camp. At the time, no one knew that he had been taken to Hartheim. His wife and children had to wait decades to find out where he had been buried. I have lived with my family in Munich for 20 years. During that time, I had constantly been searching for information about where he was finally laid to rest. Thanks to the Foundation for Polish-German Reconciliation, I learned that the urn containing his ashes was buried here in this cemetery. His name is now inscribed on the memorial plaque. From my own experience, I know how important it is for relatives to find a loved one’s name at a gravesite: The person is no longer anonymous; my great-grandfather has been given back his name. It feels as though he is finally returning home. This is a special place for me and my family – a place with great emotional meaning. When I learned where his urn was buried, I was overcome with joy. Now we can visit him and light a candle in the grave lamps. Magdalena W ęż yk Act of remembrance for the victims of National Socialism at Ehrenhain I, Perlacher Forst cemetery  25 January 2023 On 1 September 2021, I attended the inauguration of the new memorial. It was a deeply moving and emotional experience for me. My only regret is that my great-grandmother, his children and my father were not able to witness it. But I have fulfilled their heartfelt wish to find his place of rest. I tell my children about my great-grandfather, so that his memory will never fade. Thank you for allowing me to share my story with you.