This anniversary commemorates the popular uprising in the GDR on 17 June 1953. At this time, the economic, social and political situation was deteriorating. The increase in labour standards decided by the Central Committee of the SED in May 1953 was perceived as a further deterioration in the living conditions of the working class. This led to a wave of strikes, demonstrations and protests throughout the GDR, which were linked to political and economic demands.
These protests and strikes were suppressed and crushed with the help of the Soviet military, and many people were killed. Thousands of protesters were temporarily imprisoned and 1526 defendants were tried. 2 people were sentenced to death.
17 June was declared a public holiday in the Federal Republic of Germany on 4 August 1953 as the "Day of German Unity". Since 1990, this public holiday has fallen on 3 October as the "Day of German Unity" to commemorate the accession of the 5 new federal states to the Federal Republic of Germany.
To mark this anniversary, public buildings all over Germany, including the Rüdersdorf town hall, are flagged.
Source photo: © Carsten Grunwald/ PIXELIO