WWII
I suppose this is a surprising post, but bear with me. I'm in a reflection kind of mood (is that what happens when you enter the last year of your twenties?? Ok, ok, that was really mean to all of you who are much, much older than me).
Last week in Luxembourg, Dan and I stopped to read a plaque commemorating the liberation of Luxembourg. It's not the first time that we have taken a few moments to stop, read, and then reflect on what happened in the particular place where we were standing. It is chilling to think about what happened 60 years ago in the specific places where we have been. It is surprising to see how many markers of this war there are all over Europe. It is remarkable how fresh the war still seems to so many people.
We have heard stories - Dutch businessmen reflecting on how the war hurt the economy and impacts Dutch business even to this day. The city of Rotterdam flattened by bombings; our own home sustained roof damage from the shellings. Rotterdammers who were captured.
We have seen landmarks - Most notably the Anne Frank house, and this week we are planning a trip to the Corrie ten Boom home. These are both homes in Holland that served as protection by hiding innocent Jews.
We have seen plaques and witnessed other signs of remembrance - Like the one in Luxembourg, there are many other plaques scattered throughout Europe. We have celebrated Liberation Day, a day celebrated throughout Europe.
I struggle with words in trying to describe what I feel when I am in these places. It is thankfulness, gratitude, horror, sadness, and many other emotions rolled into one. But it is a good thing to think about, and to experience.
If you can't read it, it says, "On this square on 10th September 1944 the people of Luxembourg warmly welcomed its liberators, the valiant soldiers of the US 5th Armored Division and their royal highnesses Prince Felix of Luxembourg and Prince John Hereditary Grand Duke of Luxembourg."
Last week in Luxembourg, Dan and I stopped to read a plaque commemorating the liberation of Luxembourg. It's not the first time that we have taken a few moments to stop, read, and then reflect on what happened in the particular place where we were standing. It is chilling to think about what happened 60 years ago in the specific places where we have been. It is surprising to see how many markers of this war there are all over Europe. It is remarkable how fresh the war still seems to so many people.
We have heard stories - Dutch businessmen reflecting on how the war hurt the economy and impacts Dutch business even to this day. The city of Rotterdam flattened by bombings; our own home sustained roof damage from the shellings. Rotterdammers who were captured.
We have seen landmarks - Most notably the Anne Frank house, and this week we are planning a trip to the Corrie ten Boom home. These are both homes in Holland that served as protection by hiding innocent Jews.
We have seen plaques and witnessed other signs of remembrance - Like the one in Luxembourg, there are many other plaques scattered throughout Europe. We have celebrated Liberation Day, a day celebrated throughout Europe.
I struggle with words in trying to describe what I feel when I am in these places. It is thankfulness, gratitude, horror, sadness, and many other emotions rolled into one. But it is a good thing to think about, and to experience.
If you can't read it, it says, "On this square on 10th September 1944 the people of Luxembourg warmly welcomed its liberators, the valiant soldiers of the US 5th Armored Division and their royal highnesses Prince Felix of Luxembourg and Prince John Hereditary Grand Duke of Luxembourg."
posted by Beth at 11:07 PM
1 Comments:
Wow. History is truly bottomless. Europeans have (compared to Americans) so much history to live with, and yet they can still add more. A very moving plaque.
On the other hand, how long did it take to liberate Luxembourg? Fifteen minutes?
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