It is unrecognisable from the embers of February 13, 1945 when Allied bombers set the jewel of Saxony on fire but look at it now… Dresden’s phoenix from the flames 80 years on.
As talk turns to reconstruction in Ukraine, and also Gaza, Dresden stands as an object lesson.
to the world of a people’s resilience and ambition to restore itself to its former glories.
Dignitaries gathered in the city’s most sacred spot, its Holy of Holies, the Frauenkirche to mark the date.
Including the British royal family’s Duke of York, who would have been nine when the bombs dropped and likely little aware even of where Dresden was.
Although we’re told that he has spent the last 30 years fostering links between the one-time enemies.
Building bridges
Perhaps the most symbolic example of building bridges (and yes, the Elbe crossings had to be reconstructed too) involved silversmith Alan Smith.
The son of one of the bomber pilots who had taken part on the raid over Dresden on the night of the 14th of February 1945.
Who we were told when we met too in the reconstructed Frauenkirche over a German travel fair.
To hear of how the orb on the top of the building was his tribute to the Dresdeners of 1945.
We’ve seen first hand how the fiercest foes have stretched out a hand to end enmity.
As British soldier Harry Patch did past his 100th birthday in Ieper, Flanders.
And we as nations have in a NATO which is showing signs of stress.
But which it must be remembered has ensured peace in Western Europe for 80 years.
Hand in hand
Giving praise for our peace and security that day back eight years now.
While listening to the pastor in the Frauenkirche we had no foresight of what was to come in Ukraine.
The Chookie Kent will do the Ich Bin Ein Dresdener and link arms with the human chain in Germany.
Just as hundreds do annually, standing hand in hand to form a protective ring in remembrance of those who died.
Back then on my visit to Dresden we celebrated the living.
Me and Ingrid, our tour guide whose mum had been woken that ill-fated evening when the Red Storm befell Dresden.
And we, a Brit and German embraced 72 years later, a testimony that not all enmities are everlasting.
Travel facts
How to get there: KLM Dublin to Dresden via Amsterdam €167 Return €157.
Where to stay: The Amedia Plaza hotel in the old city: B&B three nights €243-315 for business single in July.
