In 1946 Hanover became the state capital twice
When the state of Lower Saxony BECOMES 75 years old, so will its state capital, of course. Whereby Hanover even became the capital twice in 1946: indeed in November it was the state capital of Lower Saxony, but before that in August it was the capital of the state of Hanover, which shortly afterwards became part of Lower Saxony. The years after the war were confused.
“Hanover develops from ruins”
Now there was a double reason to celebrate – and therefore a ceremony in the New Town Hall on Friday evening. Mayor Belit Onay recalled how destroyed Hanover was after the war. “Hanover is developing from ruins into an international brand,” Onay alluded to at trade fairs and the expo. Today Hanover is cosmopolitan and modern, people from 180 nations live in the city. And now the state capital takes its role self-confidently – and mostly “hand in hand” with the state, said the mayor.
Prime Minister Stephan Weil did not disagree. He congratulated “on behalf of more than eight million Lower Saxony – we are happy with our state capital”. In a usual humorous speech, he attested how well the relationship between Lower Saxony and Hanover had “relaxed over the decades”.
Relationship relaxed
Kieran Drake, the new ambassador of Great Britain, spoke of a “particularly long common history of Hanover and Great Britain”, regional bishop Petra Bahr imagined a lively city tour with philosopher Hannah Arendt. Around 175 invited guests celebrated with them, including honorary citizen Herbert Schmalstieg and his former mayor colleague Stefan Schostok, Berlin State Minister Hendrik Hoppenstedt, University President Prof. Volker Epping, trade fair boss Jochen Köckler, city superintendent Rainer Müller-Brandes and many more.
Actually, the city and the country had planned a big party at the Maschsee for this weekend to celebrate the joint anniversary. Because of the uncertain Corona situation, the big lake break was canceled in the summer – but they didn’t want to postpone the hour of honor in the town hall. Onay promised that the festival would take place on 10/11. June 2022 will be made up.
After the ceremony in the domed hall, the company moved into the garden hall, where Onay cut an oversized birthday cake – with the coat of arms of the state capital Hanover, of course.
Kunze and Goldlocc
There was also music. Heinz Rudolf Kunze was even allowed to compete twice with “The completely normal people” and “The time is ripe”, the Knut Richter Trio played “S’Wonderful”, the Vivid Voices played “The thoughts are free” and Goldlocc gave a concert with “plan for tonight”. Music from seven – that fit the ceremony.
From Conrad von Meding