Gauck demands active civic engagement for democracy and freedom!

Gauck demands active civic engagement for democracy and freedom!

On June 17, 2025, a moving ceremony for the opening of the former emergency shelter warehouse took place in Gießen as a place of learning and memory. Well -known for his historical events, the event was able to welcome a prominent speaker: Joachim Gauck, who once spoke as Federal President about freedom and democracy. In his speech, he called for an increased civic engagement to protect the values ​​of our democracy. In doing so, he came across a topic that is not only local, but also nationally important, such as faz.net reports.

Gauck reminded the audience that freedom and democracy are not a matter of course. Especially by looking at the popular uprising in the GDR on June 17, 1953, he underlined the historical responsibility that we bear. He pointed out that German unity could have been completed in 1954 if there had been no military suppression by Soviet tanks. An urgent call to more active participation in the citizens emerged as a thread of his speech.

meaning of the learning and memory location

The newly created area of ​​learning and memory in the former emergency room is not only a place of reflection on German division, but also an interactive space that explains about migration and reasons for escape. Florian Greiner, head of the learning location, wants more understanding of the experiences of people who have escaped dictatorships. Mayor Frank-Tilo Becher from Gießen emphasizes the importance of this facility as a hopeful and perspective provider and proudly refers to city history, which is shaped by the admission of refugees.

This day, Gauck is concerned that the younger generation shows less commitment to current challenges, such as migration. This aspect lends itself seamlessly into the discussion about civic engagement in Germany. Around 43.6% of the German population are involved every day, whereby the commitment in rural areas tends to be higher and can be lower in districts with a wide range of social challenges.

challenges and opportunities

Gauck also criticized the submissive attitude towards extremist political forces and expressed his skepticism about the conditions between the Federal Republic of Germany and authoritarian regimes. His views fall into a time when civic engagement in Germany is not only used, but is also more important than ever. The new concept of dialogue with society could help many to become an active part in the design of their surroundings.

In this context, the role of social initiatives becomes increasingly important, as the Social-Aktien-Gesellschaft Bielefeld shows, which can serve as a model for community projects and civic responsibility. Since its foundation in 1999 it has been promoting social institutions and offers innovative forms of engagement that also put the basics of solidarity and participation in the foreground.

The commitment in a strong civil society is essential for the future of our democracy. This shows that everyone can make their contribution to preserve the achievements of the past and to secure for future generations. The collective memory, which is kept alive in places such as the place of learning and memory, is the key to this.

The exchange about historical awareness and civic engagement will continue to be of great importance. Initiatives such as those of b-b-e.de can also play an important role in the future to strengthen the communities and to ensure effective support for needy groups.