Observing reformation day as a public holiday today, I took the chance to go for a long walk through the Dresden Heath, a large forest and recreation area. Although I had my camera gear with me, I was not really excited about the nature and left it in my backpack, thinking that I won't take any photos today. However, on my way back something caught my attention:
Looking beyond the fence, I realized that this was a cemetery. Curious as I am, I entered and found this sign:
It says: "Garrison cemetery for the fallen soldiers of the Soviet army. Built by the Council of the city of Dresden."
One of the first things that caught my attention was this memorial:
It reads: "Honor and thanks to the heroes of the Soviet Union who lost their lives fighting fascism. We take up the flag they brought us. Together with all progressive people, we will henceforth fight for peace and friendship between nations. The citizens of Dresden, November 1957"
All of the gravestones had the same form and design, many had names of soldiers who died in 1945 but some also died later:
The main monument however was this:
All in all, it was an interesting site to visit, something that is inevitably part of Dresden's history, even though a history not many seem to (be willing to) remember.
On the way back, I came across the garrison church St Martin, which looked beautiful during sunset:
