Schorndorf: Irmgard is reminiscent of her father Paul Bay's courage in resistance

Schorndorf: Irmgard is reminiscent of her father Paul Bay's courage in resistance

Schorndorf, Deutschland - in Schorndorf is currently being remembered by a remarkable man: Paul Bay, an artist and painter who bravely opposed the regime during the darkness of National Socialism. His daughter, Irmgard Kleinle Schneider, pays tribute to her father by keeping his heroic deeds and unshakable resistance to Adolf Hitler alive. "I am very grateful to my parents, Paul and Marie Bay," she says, while proud of the memories of her father.

Paul Bay, born in 1925, not only blossomed his artistic talent in his paintings, but also in his civil courage. At a time when numerous people lived and had to be silent about the totalitarian regime, he fearlessly opposed the oppression and offensively persecuted his beliefs. A work of art of him now hangs in his daughter's living room and is reminiscent of his unshakable spirit.

resistance in National Socialism

The brave acts of Paul Bay find their echo in the memories of the darkness of National Socialism. During this time, many people were forced to suffer from the pressure of the Gestapo, who continued the extermination struggle against Catholic order. Bishop Clemens August Graf von Galen, a central figure in Christianen resistance, also undertook remarkable steps by denouncing the killing of mentally ill and called against moral rib. His appeal to the people to raise people who are considered to be “inherited to life” against the murders reminds of how important it is to stand up for their own values and to find the courage to oppose injustice, as Paul Bay did. [bpb.de] (https://www.bpb.de/themen/nationalismalism-weltkrieg/der-züle-weltkrieg/199412/widstand- against-en-nationalalism/) describes how courageous voices such as those of Galen were necessary to shake society and to give a voice to the inmates of healing institutions.

Eberhard Abele, a former history teacher from Schorndorf, underlines the importance of such memories by illuminating the historical contexts. The fortunes of people like Paul Bay and Graf von Galen are inextricably linked to the history of these dark years. Their actions stand for the resistance that blossomed despite the constant danger and repression.

Resistance to an unjust system is not only brave, but also necessary to defend the values and the right to a decent life. "Today we commemorate with respect and gratitude of former resistance fighters and especially an artist like Paul Bay, whose life's work continues to inspire us," sums up Irmgard Kleinle Schneider.