Day of the Homeland Timeline

2007

A special focus on human rights made for meaningful celebrations

German Chancellor Angela Merkel was the most prominent speaker at the rally in Berlin that centered around the motto, "Home Is Human Rights."

2003 & 2006

The Pope sends his greetings

The Vatican sends both Pope John Paul II and Pope Benedict XVI to Germany to offer greetings that acknowledge the non-violence of the expellees and Germany’s commitment to international understanding.

1950

A proclamation honors the Charter of the German Expellees

This charter, introduced at a rally in Stuttgart Castle, was pivotal to creating the Day of the Homeland.