70 years ago – on 13 February 1945 – Dresden was reduced to a pile of rubble. The people who died that night suffered terribly, as did the people who survived. "Never again!" – This is the message of the human chain that we want to set up this year to send a peaceful yet strong signal. "Never again" should the mad pursuit of power or the demon that is racism and radicalism bring war, death and misery, neither in Germany, nor anywhere else in the world.

Unfortunately, right-wing forces are once again attempting to use 13 February to abuse the consequences that the war had on Germany for their own objectives. For this reason, I have again registered the human chain this year and would like to ask you all, in the name of the TU Dresden's student council, to also show a visible sign of respect, tolerance and open-mindedness against inhumane ideologies.

The start of the human chain will take place from 4 pm at Neumarkt with a transmission of the memorial event from the Frauenkirche. A greeting from the Federal President, Joachim Gauck, will follow at 5:15 pm and a speech from the mayor, Helma Orosz. We will then close the human chain at 6 pm to the chimes of the Dresden church bells.

Volunteers are urgently needed for organising the event. Anyone wanting to register as a steward should simply send an email to . Steward training will follow on 13 February 2015, probably at 4 pm in the ballroom of the municipal museum (Festsaal des Stadtmuseums) at Wilsdruffer Strasse 2, 01067 Dresden.

We live in a time in which each one of us can show how he acts with tolerance, human dignity, charity and open-mindedness every day. The human chain on 13 February is only ONE possibility of many, but one with particular charisma. Before, after and in addition, there are still many forms of calm, peaceful non-violent protests in which you may want to participate.

As usual, you will find extensive information about the day at: http://13februar.dresden.de/ .

Kind regards,
Prof. Hans Müller-Steinhagen