On the 81st anniversary of the devastating air raids on Dresden, the city held a somber remembrance event honoring the victims of World War II. This annual commemoration included wreath-laying ceremonies and a human chain, with approximately 10,000 participants expected to unite around the historic city center. The air raids conducted by British and American bombers from February 13 to 15, 1945, resulted in the deaths of around 25,000 people and left the city in ruins.

The remembrance day is traditionally observed on February 13, with city leaders and civil society taking active roles in the proceedings. Among the monuments dedicated to the victims, special emphasis was placed on the destruction of Dresden and the suffering endured by its citizens during the war. In the Frauenkirche, attention was also drawn to the city of Coventry in the UK, Dresden's partner city, which experienced significant destruction from German air raids in 1940, highlighting the interconnected history of wartime atrocities between the two cities.

This annual event serves not only as a moment of reflection for the residents of Dresden but also as an important reminder of the broader impact of war and the importance of peace. The commemorative activities aim to educate the public about the historical significance of the events that transpired and to promote dialogue about reconciliation in the aftermath of the conflict. Such gatherings reinforce the collective memory of the tragedy and emphasize the need to prevent similar occurrences in the future.