On 11 November 2018, the mayor, André Schaller, the chairman of the municipal council, Ronny Neumann, two representatives of the town twinning association and 8 pupils and 2 teachers from the secondary school had the honour of accepting an invitation to visit the French twin town of Pierrefitte-sur-Seine. It was the 100th anniversary of the end of the First World War. Various (commemorative) events were organised in memory of the most extensive war in history and the millions of victims. Among other things, the German pupils actively participated with French pupils in an exhibition opening at which they analysed this tragic topic from different perspectives. The results were impressive and very emotional. This left a very moving impression on everyone involved.
The actual memorial event at the cemetery was no different. It is still not a matter of course that a German mayor is allowed to give a speech on such an occasion in France. It was therefore all the more important to express how grateful everyone is for this lived friendship - which fortunately has now lasted almost 74 years in peace. We are all called upon to preserve it. Because in addition to commemoration, it is also and above all everyone's responsibility to stand up for democracy and the freedom associated with it. This alone, on a European level, is a guarantee for lasting peace.
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