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FORT DOUGLAS -- Memorial Day and Veterans Day have come and gone for Americans. But for Germans, Sunday was an equivalent holiday, the German day of mourning, or "Volkstrauertag."
A sizable international crowd gathered at Fort Douglas Cemetery, partly to honor German soldiers who were murdered on a dark day in Utah history. The ceremony is held every year to pay respects to all who have sacrificed their lives for their country. But particularly, German POWs.
"It's much like our Memorial Day," said Charles W. Dahlquist. "It's a time to remember those who have given their lives."
We have come to realize that durable, sustainable peace is only possible if reconciliation and friendship among the nations are at the center of all political activity.
–Capt. Paul Roth
In this place it's particularly poignant. Many are buried at Fort Douglas, including 41 German prisoners from World War I and World War II. But the ceremony is symbolic of old conflicts fading into history as former enemies have become friends.
"Our western societies, our governments are on the right path to eventually reach the goal of peace," said Capt. Paul Roth with the German Air Force.
Speakers said striving for peace is up to individuals as well as governments
"Peace within ourselves, the individual lives which will have peace, will help us have peace in a nation, a worldwide setting," said President Dieter F. Uchtdorf, Second Counselor in the First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
President Uchtdorf said German POW's were treated so well in Utah, many felt it was the best thing that ever happened to them. And yet nine died in a brutal massacre.
"Even in a peaceful, in a wonderful place, there are always crazy people," he said. "We have to make sure that as we live that we protect those around us and that we prevent crazy people to take over what we feel is important in our lives."
A number of headstones at Fort Douglas all have the same date, July 8, 1945. They were massacred in a Salina prison camp after the war was over by U.S. Army guard Clarence Bertucci, who went berserk.
He opened fire from a tower with a machine gun, strafing prison tents with 250 bullets. Nine prisoners eventually died and 20 more were wounded.
"It brings us back to the individual, that we as individuals should try to be kinder and nicer to each other, to avoid anything like this in the future," said President Uchtdorf.
For a number of years, the German community has joined soldiers and civilians from other countries to honor war-time sacrifices. The message Sunday emphasized the need for peace and reconciliation among nation's and individuals.
"We have come to realize that durable, sustainable peace is only possible if reconciliation and friendship among the nations are at the center of all political activity," said Roth.
E-mail: hollenhorst@ksl.com
