No, the poppies as a remembrance icon are not known in Germany (this poppy on a radiator was a visitor from the UK). We remember the victims of war and terror two weeks before the first of advent every year, i.e. next Sunday this year. A veteran’s day as such does not exist, for obvious reasons.
Of course. Though your dead soldiers are no less worthy of a moment of quiet reflection. You’d think it would provide more ‘never again’ thoughts from those who have the power to initiate war – or not.
It does (at least in the official speeches). But it is not popular at all to honour German soldiers, particular not the ones from WWII. Our culture of remembrance revolves more about the victims overall. My father was a (reluctant) soldier for all horrible six years. He was wounded and survived with an 80% disability (which was downgraded over the years). I have one single photograph of him in uniform and that is my parents’ wedding picture from 1943 where he was wearing the only good suit he had, his uniform. It might have also been a rule that soldiers were to marry in uniform, I don’t know. He was on a furlough from the Russian front at the time.
I can see why memories from that period are fraught for you. I think we all believed until recently that such times couldn’t return. It seems to be no longer a given.
pictures imperfect blog 
oh yes, the poppy! Looks good on the red vehicle.
Here is my icon: https://deoculomeo.wordpress.com/2023/06/08/the-lion-in-venice/
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In Germany too?
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No, the poppies as a remembrance icon are not known in Germany (this poppy on a radiator was a visitor from the UK). We remember the victims of war and terror two weeks before the first of advent every year, i.e. next Sunday this year. A veteran’s day as such does not exist, for obvious reasons.
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Of course. Though your dead soldiers are no less worthy of a moment of quiet reflection. You’d think it would provide more ‘never again’ thoughts from those who have the power to initiate war – or not.
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It does (at least in the official speeches). But it is not popular at all to honour German soldiers, particular not the ones from WWII. Our culture of remembrance revolves more about the victims overall. My father was a (reluctant) soldier for all horrible six years. He was wounded and survived with an 80% disability (which was downgraded over the years). I have one single photograph of him in uniform and that is my parents’ wedding picture from 1943 where he was wearing the only good suit he had, his uniform. It might have also been a rule that soldiers were to marry in uniform, I don’t know. He was on a furlough from the Russian front at the time.
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I can see why memories from that period are fraught for you. I think we all believed until recently that such times couldn’t return. It seems to be no longer a given.
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Unfortunately, I have to agree with you.
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A great icon choice, Elke.
And the sad story of your father are the things everyone needs to appreciate and remember
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