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Berlin Police officers lay down wreaths at a memorial for the victims of the East German June 17, 1953 workers uprising at the municipal cemetery in Berlin, on Thursday, June 17, 2010. Germany is marking the anniversary of a failed worker-led uprising against East Germany's communist rulers that was crushed by Soviet tanks. AP BERLIN (AP) — Germany is marking the anniversary of a failed worker-led uprising against East Germany's communist rulers that was crushed by Soviet tanks.

Lawmakers in Germany's parliament said Thursday that the 1953 uprising was an early cry for freedom from eastern Europe and for German reunification.

Transport Minister Peter Ramsauer says the revolt helped lay the foundation for "not unity alone, but a unity in freedom."

Overall, more than 1 million people took part in some five days of pro-democracy unrest. Historians estimate that some 125 protesters were killed — shot or crushed by tanks — and as many as 15,000 arrested.

The uprising peaked on June 17, with street battles in East Berlin between the workers and Soviet troops and East German police.