Looking back. Looking ahead. 2020-2025

POLITICS AND SOCIETY | SPEECHES   181 This is the responsibility I refer to when I speak of remem- brance for the future – a responsibility towards our freedom and our democracy. Awareness of our own history – knowing what happened and under what circumstances – is essen- tial for the defence of our democracy. Its enemies are not a marginal group – neither in our own country nor elsewhere in Europe. Dietrich Bonhoeffer, who was murdered here in Flossenbürg and whose death was an immeasurable loss for this nation, left us with the insight that, “upon closer examination,   any strong exercise of external power, whether political or religious, renders a large part of humanity foolish”. Those   who wish to prevent such folly must remain vigilant and enlightened. Dear Survivors, Dear Jörg Skriebeleit, Dear Employees of the Flossenbürg Memorial, Thank you for sharing your stories and enlightening us   with your work.