Memmingen Freedom Prize 1525: Memmingen city center becomes a "market of opportunities"

Created: 05/25/2022, 08:00

At the stand of the parish of St. Martin, you could print the 12 farmer's articles yourself on paper using a replica of a Gutenberg press.

© Becker

Memmingen - Last Saturday (May 21, 2022) in the center of Memmingen was all about the Memmingen Freedom Prize 1525. Prof. Dr.

Heribert Prantl in the Martinskirche from the former Bundestag President.

D.Prof.Dr.

Norbert Lammert awarded.

Since the number of places in the church was limited, the award ceremony was broadcast live from 11 a.m. at the wine market.

All around there was a colorful stage program.

In addition, the first Memmingen "Market of Opportunities" from Roßmarkt to Manghausplatz offered a varied program with many stands.

The aim of the market was to show how many organizations and clubs in and around Memmingen deal with the topic of freedom.

Visitors should be encouraged to think about the concept of freedom through a wide variety of hands-on offers.

For example, the Advisory Board for the Disabled and Senior Citizens organized a tangible course to illustrate how a lack of accessibility restricts freedom.

The Integration Advisory Board had decorated its stand with crocheted flags from all countries.

Anyone with roots in another country could write their name on a piece of paper and hang it under the appropriate national flag.

"We want to convey that Memmingen is willing and ready to stand together - no matter where you come from," explained Melek Dinc, member of the integration advisory board.

"12 farmer's articles" hot off the press from the "Gutenberg press"

The parish of St. Martin had teamed up with the Wallenstein printers group for their stand.

With the replica of a Gutenberg press, Johannes Gutenberg is considered the inventor of modern book printing, the "12 farmer's articles" could be printed.

The visitors had the chance to lend a hand, apply printing ink or push through the threaded spindle.

Since the reprinted copies have to dry, limited pre-prints with a total circulation of 200 copies were sold on Saturday.

"I think that's a good idea and a nice memory," said Bernd Klotz when he bought a piece of paper.

"Plus, there's still something to learn from these articles for today."

Represent different opinions on the subject of freedom

Different opinions on the subject of freedom were also represented.

So there was a booth of the "ALfA" (Action Life Right for All) and the group "Group §218 Thorn Apple".

ALfA stands up for the unrestricted right to life of every human being, whether born or unborn.

The group is critical of legalizing abortions – they see themselves as fighters for the freedom of the unborn.

The "Group § 218 Thoracic", on the other hand, emphasizes the freedom of every pregnant person to make their own decision regarding a possible termination of pregnancy.

Both stands were visited by interested parties - but that was probably not always an expression of personal preferences.

In glorious sunshine, many guests enjoyed simply letting themselves drift.

For example Tanja Hansen.

She told:

Memmingen "Market of Opportunities"

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Stage program in front of a historical backdrop

The center of the market was the stage at Weinmarkt, directly opposite the Kramerzunft.

In 1525 the peasants' assembly took place here, in which they wrote their 12 articles.

There were various programs and performances on stage at this appropriate location.

In addition to several speeches, including one on the subject of LGBTIQ, and an improv theatre, the Memmingen International Choir, the Joy of Voice group and the Memmingen City Band performed.

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Memminger Freedom Prize: Panel discussion "Press freedom" worries about "Quality journalism"

Freedom of the press is the daily bread of democracy

Prof. Dr.

Heribert Prantl (prize winner Memminger Freedom Prize 1525)

The highlight in the early afternoon was the speech given by award winner Heribert Prantl.

After the award ceremony, he came from the Martinskirche to the Weinmarkt together with Norbert Lammert, Lord Mayor Manfred Schilder and many others.

Prantl emphasized the importance of the city of Memmingen for freedom.

This is how the peasants started Germany's first revolution in 1525.

"It was a major event in German and European history," he made clear.

He also went into detail about the topic of freedom of the press and its importance.

Freedom of the press does not mean - especially in Corona times - people who have a different opinion and, for example, see government measures critically, as idiots.

The task of the press is rather to bring people with different opinions into conversation with each other.

But that is only possible with a free press.

"Freedom of the press is the daily bread of democracy," Prantl made clear.

(signed)

More articles on the “Memming Freedom Prize 1525”

• "Freedom of the press is the bread of democracy": 5th Memminger Freedom Prize 1525 awarded to Heribert Prantl

• "Who sees through someone else's eyes...": Exhibition "Pressefoto Bayern 2021" in the Antoniersaal Memmingen

• Memminger Freedom Prize: Panel discussion "Press freedom" worries about "Quality journalism"

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