It was over a nine-hour drive south to Montpelier, France to visit my brother-in-law and his wife in their new apartment. It rained much of the way, and I kept thinking about how I could fit in a trip to the WW II American Cemetery in the time we had there. It only looked to be a hundred and fifty miles away or so on the map.
En route, I saw a couple signs for Verdun. Of course, simply the name, Verdun, evokes the insanity of WW I and I tried to picture what kind of memorial could possibly recognize the million-plus men and boys who died there. I’ve added it to my list of places to see in the year ahead.
In short, the trip to the Rhone Cemetery in France didn’t happen. It was too long of a drive in the midst of the August tourist season. So, no blog information from the cemetery, instead I spent time with the extended family, drinking wine, playing games, reading, and eating French food at the in-law’s chateau. Not such a bad thing, after all, and a needed respite after my twenty years in the Air Force.
Back in Germany, on a walk through our village, I noticed a modest war memorial in a small park. It was tucked in between two old houses on a patch of land overlooking the village. My curiosity drew me in. The words “Unsern Kriegsopfern” are written in iron letters on the stone monument. Translated, it means “Our War Victims”. The years of the two World Wars are listed below the title, but only the names of those from the First World War are displayed on the pillars inside—fifty-three dead and missing from this small village (current population is approximately 4100 with an estimate of about 1600 at the outset of WW I). There’s no display of those who died in World War II, though, and I found the absence of names to be odd. After several discussions with a few German friends, I failed to find a definitive answer as to why the dead from World War II aren’t there.
By the time I left the memorial, I realized that there was a time when I would have said (and did say) that the Germans who died in World War I deserved what they got. Germany is, after all, considered by many to be the aggressor in that war alongside Austria-Hungary. But that was before I would study the literature of war and challenge those simple assumptions and ideas I’d been taught since I was a boy. As a cadet and junior officer I’d come to accept the notion that the young men who died fighting against America were part of a greater evil and deserved death. That was years ago, though, long before I would realize that the young soldiers are exactly what the memorial says, “victims” of war. Young men manipulated by the illusion of a God on their side, a flag to carry, a shared past, revenge, or of fear concocted by politicians and an aristocracy who see war as a game to be played out for their own selfish ends.
As I write, I’m still wondering why the “victims” of World War II are conspicuously absent from the monument to the dead and missing? Maybe there is no clear answer, or maybe it’s because the definition of victims in that horrific war was considered too broad, cutting across all veins of society, and sparing few. There wasn’t enough space on this modest monument to list all the “victims” of that war. More than anything else, it’s become easier for me over the years to understand why Germany tend to be a nation that recoils from the thought of war.
It’s clear to more than ever why an old German woman in the spring of 2003 asked me to tell George Bush not to invade Iraq. She, like her whole generation and the children of those who took part in World War II, understand the legacy and the repercussions of war in a way that most Americans can’t. Had Germany’s cities been decimated in World War I or had the ghosts of those whose names are inscribed on the pillars been able to speak, then maybe things would have been different. Just maybe there would have been no need for the years 1939-1945 to be a part of the memorial at all.
Until next time,
James A. Moad II
Hi James, I thought you might find this of interest. For over a year I followed this blog. It is a re-telling of an Englishman’s grandfather who was a foot soldier in WWI, fighting in Italy. The author tells his grandfather’s story through publishing letters written home exactly 90 years ago to the day. It really caught on and he was invited to publish a book. He puts all the events in the historical context. I found it fascinating. Just thought I’d tell you about it in case it was of interest to you. He called it “Letters from the Trenches.” http://wwar1.blogspot.com/
Thanks Gloria. I’ll take a look at the site. I published an essay about the significance of War Letters as a genre a couple years ago, and used letters as part of the War Literature course I taught. If you’re interested in checking out the essay, it’s at http://www.wlajournal.com/19_1-2/19_1-2_commentary.html For some reason, the first page is blank, so you need to scroll down to start the essay.
Just a note to tell you that I have read every word of your commentary and your blog. I must say that reading your work thrilled me, filled me with pride, humbled me, and touched my heart all at the same time.
A very brief word about what I have been doing professionally because I think it might interest you. I got my doctorate in 1999 and now teach in the School of Education at SIUE. My primary assignment is children’s and young adult literature. After 9/11, I became aware that even though I considered myself to be globally aware, I wasn’t. I didn’t know anything about the Middle East – nothing. So I began to read. Then I became aware of the fact that I wasn’t unique. Most teachers and principals know nothing about the ME either – despite all of our beautifully crafted multi-cultural units. So I began to search for children’s and young adult books that were set in the ME. Last year I was on sabbatical researching available books and developing an annotated bibliography for teachers to include in their instruction. I now require ALL of my future teacher/university students to read at least one young adult book set in the ME. IMO, it’s time we put a human face on every region of the world. It’s time we stopped generalizing by making the behavior of a few the picture we hold of an entire culture. End of soapbox….It’s just my little contribution to global understanding. Based on your writings, I thought you might find my efforts a tiny bit interesting.
Oh yes, as a result of your writings I have now purchased War Letters and Behind the Lines. I can’t wait to delve into them. Last summer I took my two granddaughters to Paris and gave them homework before the trip. One book they had to read was “The Little Prince.”
Enjoy the gift of this “sabbatical” year, James. It will result in “more than you can ask or think.” I promise.
I thought about flying to Denver and listening to your presentation next month. I even suggested to Richard that we go together. That isn’t going to work out. Just know that you have our best wishes for that event.
Gloria
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