Volkstrauertag; a chance to ‘tear down the walls of separation’ internationally

  • Published
  • By Capt. Erin Recanzone
  • 52nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs

On the outskirts of Nazareth, Israel, hidden behind a family hospital in an unkempt neighborhood, is a pristine little German cemetery. It was at this cemetery that representatives from militaries around the world gathered to remember victims of violence and oppression everywhere. 

 

Most countries have some type of Memorial Day or Veteran’s Day to recognize the sacrifices of those who serve - both those who live to share, and those who paid the ultimate sacrifice. But Volkstrauertag, which roughly translates to “people’s day of mourning,” is about more than just military members.

 

“People have come together in order to commemorate, first, the fallen soldiers of both World Wars,” said Father Dr. Rainer Stuhlmann of the Church of the Redeemer in Jerusalem. “And second, the victims of the German nationalist viciousness, and third, victims of violence, indentureship and terrorists in all places.”

 

For most European countries, it is the anniversary of the end of fighting in World War I, or Armistice Day, that is a time to reflect on the atrocities of war and celebrate peace, but for Germans, World War II holds more significance.

 

“We don’t celebrate Armistice Day on the 11th of November in the same way that our European neighbors do,” said German air force Col. Dr. Klaus Haffner, German Defense Attache, Tel Aviv, Israel. “Our main event is the second world war because this is something that shaped our future dramatically.”

 

Not only did World War II mark a period of hatred and oppression within Germany, it also was followed by years of division between east and west Germany. Rather than ignore those moments in the past, Volkstrauertag is a time to remember and learn from those mistakes.

 

“Reflections on history are essential,” Haffner said. “Thinking about past generations, learning lessons from them, trying to understand why they acted as they did is essential to face current problems and current situations.”

 

During the ceremony, members of the audience were asked to reflect on today’s society and encouraged to spread tolerance.

 

“For all of those who have died and suffered for false ideologies, radical ideas and intolerance,” said Mr. Georg Enzweiler, Deputy Head of Mission of the German Embassy, Tel Aviv, Israel, “I encourage us all, no, I urge us all, let us tear down the walls of separation.”

 

As the German army music corps played a somber hymn, and members from militaries all over the world laid wreaths at the feet of German youth who gave their lives fighting in a foreign country, the feeling of camaraderie among nations was solidified.

 

Volkstrauertag ceremonies are held everywhere German soldiers are laid to rest, from Germany to France to Israel, the message is always one of mourning, reflection and tolerance.

 

“On this day of national mourning,” Enzweiler said, “we should all ask ourselves what we can do to stop the history of human suffering from being repeated.”