Hanau 80th Anniversary Air Raid Commemoration

Hanau Marks 80th Anniversary of Devastating WWII Air Raid

Hanau commemorates the 80th anniversary of the devastating air raid on 19 March 1945 with a comprehensive programme. Large banners depicting the events were displayed across five city squares, while over 60 memorial events and activities took place.

On that fateful day in 1945, Hanau was almost entirely destroyed in just 20 minutes, resulting in the tragic loss of over 2,000 lives. The city's remembrance programme included conversations with contemporary witnesses, workshops, and a special exhibition. The project '20 Minutes', a collaboration between the Department of Culture and Municipal Museums, also launched a website and Instagram channel to engage the public.

The response to the project was overwhelming, with many young people gaining a deeper understanding of the destruction and loss experienced by their grandparents. Mayor Claus Kaminsky emphasised that remembrance is not merely a look back, but a mandate for the future, urging against political missteps that could lead to such tragedies again. The project was significantly supported financially by Holger Foerster, who contributed around 30,000 euros through his company MTV Foerster.

Hanau's '20 Minutes' project has successfully honoured the 80th anniversary of the 1945 air raid, fostering understanding and remembrance among its residents. The city's commitment to keeping this history alive serves as a poignant reminder of the value of peace and the importance of learning from the past.