A coach party
of German-Jewish children who were brought here to see the camp,
were given a guided tour by their teacher, and while these young
children toured the camp some were deeply moved, their sadness was
evident by the tears they wept as they saw the photos in the camp
museum, the dissecting table, and the oven where the disposal of
a body would take only 35 minutes. Later the teacher assembled all
the children under the memorial that towered high into the sky,
far above the cold stark watchtowers.
Then lifting
the Jewish flag high into the air they sang a memorial song to all
of their dead Jewish relatives that had not only been murdered here,
but throughout the continent of Europe. It was without a doubt,
a very moving ceremony that caused many children to weep the tears
of sadness, for the loss of their loved ones. We all shed tears
together and hugged each other…….. for are we not all
brothers!!! |
I placed my insignificant memorial on the floor next to the oven,
a piece of card with the names of the four agents, of whose bravery
and courage I cannot put into words. The candle that I left with my memorial card burned brightly, as it
wavered in the breeze that blew gently through the door. I bowed
my head and wept silent tears for all those that had suffered
and died in all the infamous death camps scattered across Europe.
I
prayed to the God who gives us the hope that...."There
is nothing that is innocent or good that dies, that is forgotten
by him, for they have reached out for Glory, and by their Sacrifice
have touched the Hand of God"
|
Memorial
at Struthof. |
When
I thought of all the sacrifices made in the fight for Freedom It
brought to my mind of how insignificant my tribute was…….
and as I stared at the flame on the candle burning so bright, I
knew that its flame would eventually flicker and go out………...But,
in my heart I knew, that the Flame of Freedom and Valour demonstrated
by all those Heroic persons....will most
certainly always burn brightly throughout this darkened world, and
that the memory of all those who so loyally sacrificed their lives,
and perished in their duty to their fellowman…… will always
inspire us…… by their Bravery, Courage, and Heroism !!!
The French Resistance
The Special Operations Executive
Underground Network Agents
Allied Escape Networks Agents
Those Very Special Civilians....who used their homes as "Safe
Houses" to feed, clothe, and shelter aircrews, risking immediate
execution of themselves and their families if caught.
IN
THEIR HEART, LIES THE HERO!
The Honour is theirs alone. This Tribute, is for them ALL.
Their
names forever to be remembered by us all…. who live
in freedom!!!
|
Natzweiler-Struthof
is now a Memorial, which stands upon the soil of France.
As a reminder, to us who now live….. of the suffering that
was inflicted there,
As
a remembrance to us all, of the thousands that were murdered there,
and by their life given…. We should hold their Memory Sacred.!!!
Story
compiled by: Ian R. Bridle 2002 |
|
