I don't know how they can come to terms with the complicity of those people they love with one of the most hated and violent regimes in recorded history.
But then, most of the people on the Axis side did the exact same thing as people on the Allied side; kill people on the battlefield, target civilian cities, slaughter women and children, kill people just like them. Only difference is they were born a couple hundred miles away.
I had a grandfather who fought in the War. He died when I was about six or seven. I didn't really know him. I only remember him as a kind, old man, maybe slightly grumpy at times, who gave us boxes of chocolates or jellies.
I suppose when I think of him in the War, my mind goes to the same places that the mind of someone like me in Berlin or Munich goes to.
Did he think...
"I was only following orders"
"It was him or me"
"An eye for an eye"
And the excuses are the same for people worldwide, no matter what conflict, no matter what side.
I was thinking the same thing about an hour ago, probably reading the same passages. My Grampa never talked about WW2 even when I asked him, and I've only found out little bits from my Grandma now that he's died. I found out his role and the type of gun he used - and now that I think about it, it's little wonder he never wanted to talk about it. Who wants to talk to their only grandchild about when they were 20 years old, killing human beings and maybe even enjoying it?
ReplyDeleteyou eloquent lady!