While surfing on Wikipedia for photos of East Germany and East Berlin in late 1940s and early 1950s,I stumbled on this nice photo of marching Volkspolizei in early uniforms during May 1st parade in East Berlin and I decided to save it for you to view. It was taken in 1949. This photo was from Bundesarchiv.
-
-
Interesting photo. It's all the more interesting when you consider the historical context of the photo--the political maneuvoring concerning the future of the Germany state(s), the early steps in the formation of a East German military, the rebuilding and restoration of the nation's infrastructure . . . I particularily like the contrast of the war damaged building in the foreground which looks like it has had its facade partially restored while its interior remains barren. One could argue that it is a representaion of the fledgling East German state (which was still a few months away from being declared as a soverign state by the SED).
Also interesting to see the flags being carried by the civilians. I know the DDR did not officially exist in May of 1949, but it is still strange to see the federal flag without the DDR coat of arms--I'm so used to seeing it on the flag that it's easy to remember it wasn't always there.Last edited by jkeegen; 03-21-2010, 07:30 AM. -
redjames2004 - Thanks for finding and posting the photo. I would be interested in seeing what the area they are marching through looks like today?Somebody, after all, had to make a start. What we wrote and said is also believed by many others. They just don't dare express themselves as we did. Quote - Sophie Scholl - White Rose resistance groupComment
Comment