Looking back. Looking ahead. 2020-2025

58   ALBUM 2023 | FLOSSENBÜRG MEMORIAL 2023 A P R I L Anniversary of the liberation of Flossenbürg A multi-day programme marking the 78th anniversary of the liberation of Flossenbürg by the U.S. Army culminated in a solemn ceremony on 23 April. A new “Meeting Hub” opened on 21 April, offering a dedicated space for relatives of former prisoners and the general public to come together. The main speakers were Joachim Herrmann (Bavarian State Minister of the Interior, Sport and Integration) and Prof. Heinrich Bedford-Strohm (Regional Bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Bavaria). Minister Herrmann underlined the importance of a vibrant culture of remembrance and the need to actively defend a free society. Prof. Bedford-Strohm emphasised the crucial role of remembrance work and the value of memorial sites, particularly as places of learning for young people and future generations. The commemoration was attended by around 600 guests, including survivors and their relatives, as well as representa- tives from politics, the diplomatic corps, the clergy and public life. For the first time, the ceremony was made available via livestream, allowing more people to participate in the event.