“October 3 is more than just a German national holiday. It reminds us of German-German reunification, the breaking down of closed borders and the growing together of the population. Unity deliberately transcends national identities, it does not end at residence status, because illegal flight and pressure from the population brought about the fall of the Wall.
Right now, it is important that we remember the history of our country – and act accordingly. The loud rhetoric of right-wing populists, the threat of right-wing terrorist groups, violent attacks against refugees, migrants and minorities throughout Germany and political efforts towards national isolation make it seem as if our country is internally divided. However, large protest alliances, neighbourly solidarity and the broad commitment to environmental protection show that there are numerous examples that prove the opposite, that give hope and prove that we live in a country that is becoming increasingly open, colorful and diverse. In a country where millions of people volunteer for good causes. A country where gender equality is steadily (albeit slowly) increasing and where marriage for all has been enshrined in law for a year now. We live in a country where many divides still need to be overcome, but which is perceived around the world as a model of progress for society as a whole.
Only with you, that is the motto of this year’s unity celebration. It is up to all of us who live in Germany – people from East, West, North and South, young and old, government and citizens, with and without a German passport – to defend our democracy as one, to stand up against discrimination and right-wing extremism, to show solidarity and to uphold our social values. We are fighting for an open, colorful, diverse – a humanistic Germany.”
