13th February

Like 14th November for the people of Coventry, 13th February for the people of Dresden is the day to remember the inconceivable consequences of war and the destruction it brings to humans’ lives. Some members of our society, however, abuse this day of remembrance, mourning and reconciliation to spread their ignorant and backward-looking message of hate, intolerance and prejudice.

As an association of people interested and actively involved in fostering friendship and exchange with Britain, its people and our twin city of Coventry, I think it should be our most basic duty to stand up for our friends and join in the protest against this grotesque brown freak show. Don’t let the media be full of reports about Dresden as the capital of the Neonazis and right-wing extremism.

We have decided to join forces with the International Friends Dresden (IFD) e.V., under their motto “For a cosmopolitan and internationally-minded Dresden”.

We will meet in front of the City Hall at 13:00 on Feb. 13th 2010. Look out for the IFD banner with the words “Für ein weltoffenes und internationales Dresden”.

More information about the events on 13th February is available at: http://13februar.dresden.de/

I hope that many of you, your friends, relatives and colleagues will join us and the IFD members and friends. Let’s stand shoulder to shoulder to protect our city, our friends and our way of life.