December 2003 - Nr. 12

Volkstrauertag in Kitchener

As is often the case on this day, the somber mood of the hundreds of people at the German War Graves of Woodland Cemetery was reflected by the drizzly November Weather, the light fog and the almost bare trees.

The dead of the wars and of terrorism were remembered Sunday, November 16 by representatives and members of the German-Canadian community, the Royal Canadian Legion, by Provincial and local Politicians, and by representatives of the German and Canadian Military.

Mrs. Marianne Bath, Deputy Consul General of the Federal Republic of Germany, gave a moving address to the solemn crowd, recounting how this day developed to a day of mourning the dead of all wars, including ongoing wars of terrorism and during peacekeeping missions intended to bring an end to a war. She spoke of personal experiences in her family, which illustrated the senselessness of war as reflected by innocent questions of children. Just why does anyone allow someone to leave home and the family to fight a war?

Today, we can certainly expand the question to ask why are people allowed, and even encouraged to volunteer, to be killed in acts of suicide bombings and how much longer does this have to go on?

The Transylvania Musikkapelle under Steve Schatz played, including "Ich hatte einen Kameraden" and "Zapfenstreich", and the Concordia Choirs directed by Alfred Kunz sang, adding to the emotionally charged remembrance with many a tear shed. Wreaths were laid by representatives of institutions, associations, legions, by politicians and by individuals, as they were called out one by one. Wreaths were also laid by Mr. Tony Bergmeier, President of the National German-Canadian Congress, and by Mr. Ernst Friedel, President of the Provincial German-Canadian Congress. The group of German Clubs of the area and the German Canadian Business and Professional Association were this year represented by Mr. Gerhard Griebenow, President of the Arbeitsgemeinschaft (Cooperative Council), to which each of the clubs and association belongs.

Participants at the Woodland Cemetery, including Mrs. Marianne Bath, gathered later at the Concordia Club to warm up for an hour or two of social interaction over coffee and cake.

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