Not all where granted a heroes death... by neiwil
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Description
To the memory of the soldiers
of the United States Army
who while prisoners of war
were massacred by Nazi troops
on this spot on 17th December 1944
As I stood and took these pictures I reflected on what I knew of the event.I listened to our guide as he explained the events of December 17th and the many other massacres during the 'Battle of the Bulge'.He painted a very dark though very one sided picture.
There has never been a 'clean' war, civilised man has come up with 'rules of war', but always on the understanding 'rules are made to be broken'.During WWII Japan and more so Germany elevated atrocities to an industial scale....but this is not the time or place....I would just ask that in remembering those who fell, having first been disarmed, remember this 'we all did it', we just didn't build monuments to our victims.....
Comments (15)
preeder
TRUE.
papy2
Great shots. It was a Black Day... Thanks for the Memory
flavia49
powerful image and text!
debbielove
Very well put Neil.. As you say there were levels, but revenge is never an excuse for massacres.. Or any reason.. All sides, ALL,, were guilty.. That has been proved beyond doubt.. Let there be a moments reflection for all those who fell to in these moments of Wars insanity.. Excellent shot mate.. Rob
bmac62
There have been unscrupulous men in every war...but it is for the victor to paint the pictures and write the books. Well done here Neil. Let's remember all who fought and all who died...victims one way or the other of war.
android65mar
You are absolutely right in this respect. Sadly.
Osper
Nicely done commentary.
Penters
A very apt theme of posts with rememberance day tomorrow, I must add though I am very envious of your tour of the Ardennes.
VERITY29
Neil, Thankyou for this, all so true.
T.Rex
Bill and Rob said it well enough. Rogues in every army, out for power, full of hate, not just following militarily necessary orders. Malmédy was just one of the places where things weren't done right. One of many. May it never happen again. But... every new generation must learn, or repeat the horrors. Another good photo (I refrain from saying "nice" on purpose - the need for such memorials isn't "nice"). Keep up the good work!
Lashia
Such a beautiful scene for an ugly realization. I love that you put these two shots together, and your write up so we can understand what we're looking at- a much needed reminder to many that don't have to see the actions of war everyday. Lest we forget.
dbrv6
True - well done.
danapommet
This was even tougher to read that yesterdays post. The memories, of what I've read, will never leave my mind. I was lucky! 1964 - 1967 and I was never shot at once.
kjer_99
The problem is that the very nature of war can create these monsters out of what were very ordinary and decent human beings.
shamstar
My experience with war was that it was a very loud, dirty, bad smelling, scary action. It is an unbelievable rush of excitement and fear. Churchill said the most exciting thing in the world is to be fired at with no apparent effect. But when the shooting stops and you see the blood and death and maimed people, it is sickening. I think the further away from combat you are, the more you think it is a good idea. Don't get me wrong, war is sometimes necessary, but it should never be undertaken lightly.