The Saxony capital has been rebuilt, brick by vitrified brick in the aftermath of the highly questionable bombing raid of February 1945. The best that could be said is that it is possible that the planners of the raids did not anticipate that the destructive firestorm would be the cause of mass civilian casualties. These men however, had much bitter experience of the terrible effects of the cowardly bombing of cities for the purpose of dampening the morale of the enemy. The Luftwaffe had taught them too well.
So now the rebuilt palaces and museums sparkle along the bend of the Elbe. The Frauenkirche has risen from the rubble once more, still overlooked by the glowering visage of Martin Luther. The treasures of Electors and Kings of Saxony are on display to the multitudes who visit the city. From the statuary and fountains of the Zwinger Royal Palace to the treasure troves of the Green Vaults of the Rezidenz Palace all that was lost is now found, and most certainly, the gold glitters.
But nevertheless, a pall of regret and sorrow seems to loom over this recreated city. Kurt Vonnegut said once that he was the only person to benefit from the destruction of Dresden. He survived, told his story and became rich and famous. So it goes.
So now the rebuilt palaces and museums sparkle along the bend of the Elbe. The Frauenkirche has risen from the rubble once more, still overlooked by the glowering visage of Martin Luther. The treasures of Electors and Kings of Saxony are on display to the multitudes who visit the city. From the statuary and fountains of the Zwinger Royal Palace to the treasure troves of the Green Vaults of the Rezidenz Palace all that was lost is now found, and most certainly, the gold glitters.
But nevertheless, a pall of regret and sorrow seems to loom over this recreated city. Kurt Vonnegut said once that he was the only person to benefit from the destruction of Dresden. He survived, told his story and became rich and famous. So it goes.