Twenty-six years ago at this time, a great number of people were clueless. The secret services of all the western allies, the Staatspolizei of the DDR and the KGB (including Mr. Putin, who was stationed in Dresden as an agent), the pundits and politicians, and the many families suffering from a division of Germany – all had virtually given up on the idea of a united Germany, and no one could predict what would happen a few weeks later. This coming October we celebrate the 25th anniversary of German Unification in 1990. Much had to happen to bring us there.
On October 7, 1989, the German Democratic Republic had celebrated its 40th anniversary with great pomp and international visitors, especially Mikhail Gorbachev, with a great military parade (watch it here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CeePo6BGmHc), and the promise by Erich Honecker that the state was healthy and strong and would last another forty years and more. Meanwhile in Leipzig, peace prayers were going strong every Monday. More and more people packed the Nikolai church until they spilled out into the street.
Tensions ran high, everyone was afraid. Two days before, protesters in Berlin were attacked by army units and plainclothes secret police operatives; more than 500 were arrested and many beaten. The same threatened to happen in Leipzig – everyone was afraid of a “Chinese solution” as happened in Tiananman Square shortly before, when Chinese troups beat, bayoneted, and shot protesters. Chinese tanks drove into crowds, crushing people and bicycles. In East Germany, more than half a million Soviet soldiers were stationed in the country. For weeks demonstrators had been beaten and arrested. What would happen on October 9, 1989, when more than 70,000 peaceful protesters would march in Leipzig?
Come and find out in the most remarkable movie, The Miracle of Leipzig, on August 20, 2015, at 6:30 p.m. Here is a trailer to whet your appetite: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HtCq_AP7ULY&feature=player_embedded . The movie is in English with German subtitles.
Please note that we are meeting at the Red Cross building, 2700 Southwest Freeway, Houston, TX 77098. Our customary food and beverage reception starts at 6:30 p.m. Registration will begin at 6:15 p.m., the movie at 7:00 p.m. Meeting fees are $10 for members, $5 for students, and $15 for nonmembers, regardless of whether you participate in the reception.
Ample parking is available without charge. Please respond now to angelika@houstonleipzig.org so that we can plan properly.
We are looking forward to seeing all of you!