Uncovering Stories from the Past - Modern testifiers advocate for democracy.
Back in 1979, with his family and another family friend, Guenter Wetzel managed to flee East Germany through a handcrafted hot air balloon. The balloon made a landing near Naila (Landkreis Hof). Today, the balloon's fabric is on display temporarily at the Bavarian History Museum in Regensburg.
The main reason behind his escape was his yearning to pursue the study of physics, which he couldn't do because of his dad's escape from the East Germany in 1962 and his own disinterest in joining the SED. When people compared the pandemic restrictions with life in East Germany during Corona, he was infuriated. These individuals had no idea how limited freedom was under the East German regime.
Hans Schuierer gained significant notoriety as a symbol of resistance, sticking to his guns in defiance of a controversial waste treatment facility (WAA) in Wackersdorf (Landkreis Schwandorf). In 1985, he refused to grant permission for the construction of the WAA, which was being promoted by the local government. Despite a legal impeachment process, Schuierer didn't budge. He stayed in office and ultimately prevented the WAA from being built.
Guenter Wetzel - Museum of Bavarian HistoryGunter Wetzel's Official WebsiteBalloon Flight Hans Schuierer - Museum of Bavarian History
