Moment of Silence for Victims of the Uprising in Berlin in June 1953

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Moment of silence for victims of the uprising in Berlin in June 1953; Photo; Licensed content; Original: 2880×2160; Photographer: Unknown;
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© Bleek/zb Media. The photo depicts a moment of silence for the victims of the uprising on June 17, 1953, in Berlin. After the violent suppression of the popular uprising by Soviet tanks and East German security forces, the fallen demonstrators were commemorated in West Berlin and the Federal Republic of Germany.

Many people in the western part of the city gathered in silent tribute – whether in public squares, in front of memorial sites, or during an official ceremony. In West Berlin, such commemorative events took place regularly, especially on June 17, which was a national day of remembrance in the Federal Republic until reunification, known as the “Day of German Unity.”

The uprising of June 17, 1953, began as a protest by construction workers against increased work norms but quickly developed into a broad movement against the communist SED regime in East Germany. The East German government asked the Soviet Union for help, after which Soviet tanks moved into Berlin and other cities, brutally crushing the uprising. Hundreds of people were arrested, and many were killed.

The photo symbolizes the memory of the courage of the demonstrators who protested for freedom and better living conditions. It also stands for the ongoing division of Germany and the Cold War, which separated East and West for decades.