Understanding VE Day in Germany: Perspectives from a Child of the Nazi Era

Introduction

VE Day, or Victory in Europe Day, marks the end of World War II in Europe. For many, it is seen as a day of liberation from the oppressive Nazi regime. However, for a part of the German population, it carries a different weight. This article delves into the personal perspective of Hilda, an old German women who was a child during the Nazi era. It explores her experiences and reflections on VE Day.

The Perspective of an Elder

Hilda reflects on VE Day with a mixture of exhaustion, pain, and reflection. She describes herself as an 'old German lady' who was a child during the Nazi era, or NSDAP (NSDAP was the full name of the Nazi party, officially known as the National Socialist German Workers' Party). Her experiences during this time were deeply affecting, and it is through this lens that she views VE Day.

Her Father's Struggles

Hilda's father, an ardent patriot who had proudly served in the German Empire during the First World War, found himself forced to serve in an administrative job in München for the NSDAP. Her father, despite his prior loyalty to the German Empire and its values, viewed the extremist views of the NSDAP as a source of shame and distress. The forced involvement of her father in the NSDAP administration was a difficult reality for the family to face.

The Emotional Impact

Hilda emphasizes the emotional toll of these experiences. 'I had to hear my father’s suffering for having to serve in administration job in München for the NSDAP for the protection of my family.' This phrase captures the internal struggle and the burden that parents and families carried during the Nazi era.

A Family's Trauma

Hilda's father died in 1961, still ashamed of what he had witnessed and experienced. 'My father died in 1961 ashamed of what his beloved German formerly and fallen Empire had turned into.' This statement underscores the lingering guilt and trauma that many Germans felt long after the end of the war. The legacy of the Nazi era continued to shape family dynamics and individual identities for generations.

The Official Perspective

VE Day is widely recognized as the day of liberation from the Nazi regime. In official celebrations, speeches and remembrance ceremonies are held to honor the efforts of those who fought for freedom and to remember the victims of the war. This perspective is generally seen as one of joy and relief, marking a turning point in history.

Memorializations and Commemorations

Communities across Germany hold various events to mark VE Day. These include gatherings in public squares, parades, and wreath-laying at memorials and cemeteries. Additionally, many schools incorporate lessons and discussions to educate younger generations about the impact of World War II and the events leading up to it.

Reflections on VE Day

Hilda's narrative provides a poignant reminder that VE Day is not just a celebration of victory but also a day of personal and collective reflection. It is a time to honor the sacrifices made and to acknowledge the traumas and challenges that followed in its wake.

Perspectives from Different Eras

Understanding VE Day through Hilda's perspective helps us grasp the diverse and sometimes conflicting emotions associated with the liberation. It highlights the importance of remembrance in building a cohesive and reflective society.

Conclusion

VE Day is a day of celebration, but it is also a day of complex emotions and deep-seated memories. Hilda's reflections offer a unique insight into the personal and collective aspects of VE Day in Germany.