December, 2004 - Nr. 12
Volkstrauertag – Kitchener
by Herwig Wandschneider
Some 500 people came to Woodlawn cemetery to show that they
have not, and will not, forget those buried at this site, or those who died
elsewhere in the world during the two World Wars and during all other wars
of tyranny and terrorism since. The remembrance at these graves of German
Prisoners of War was as solemn as always.
Prayers were said by Clerics of various K-W congregations. Deputy Consul General Ulrich Schmidt spoke and laid a wreath on behalf of the Federal Republic of Germany. The music played by the Transylvania Blaskapelle, conducted by Steve Schatz, or sung by the mixed and male choirs of the Concordia Club, conducted by Alfred Kunz, underlined the solemn occasion, transposing the visitors into a reflective mood. Deeply moved by the ceremony, some had tears in their eyes and memories of another time.
![Paying their respect [photo: Herwig Wandschneider]](412c-HW_005a.jpg)
As in previous years, wreaths were laid by German and Canadian dignitaries, German groups and individuals from this area and from as far away as Washington, D.C. In a very special moment, a young girl laid a wreath for all the Omas and Opas remembered on this occasion.
The event closed with Coffee and Cake, subsidized by the Cooperative Council of German Clubs, at the Schwaben Club. The Club’s Banquet Hall was filled to capacity with over 400 guests.
Auf Wiedersehen.
