FAO bigdog, nathanhu et al - Germany
- Thread starter Ste
- Start date
In my experience no offence - Certainly not the people I know ie. folk in the 60 year old age group.
In fact an old chap I knew in Germany flew with the Nazi Luftwaffe during the war as a 20year old and was entertained in and RAF officers mess somewhere in Scotland during the 70's - He told me they happily talked together of their experiences and with mutual respect.
Remember that the Poppy is a symbol of remembrance of the fallen from all conflicts.
Wear it with pride!
In fact an old chap I knew in Germany flew with the Nazi Luftwaffe during the war as a 20year old and was entertained in and RAF officers mess somewhere in Scotland during the 70's - He told me they happily talked together of their experiences and with mutual respect.
Remember that the Poppy is a symbol of remembrance of the fallen from all conflicts.
Wear it with pride!
There are lots of ex services that have resettled in Germany and we have many local British legions here In most current and old service areas.
If you would wear a poppy in the local area the locals probably wouldn't know what it meant, but if in a still populated service area most probably would.
This withstanding, no negitive comment would be expected, it's just they do things slightly different than we do. The German underlining feeling from the older generation/ political element is that they have a dark/dirty history and it isn't championed.
The younger generation struggle to identify with the older ideals, and why they should be penalised ( Germans pay a reformation tax to the east still) and also the resettlement of historical refugees to the west from old German occupied Russia/ eastern block is a massive bone of contention due to interest free mortgages etc.
I guess In all cases the victor writes the history books, and the defeated has to wipe its nose.
If you would wear a poppy in the local area the locals probably wouldn't know what it meant, but if in a still populated service area most probably would.
This withstanding, no negitive comment would be expected, it's just they do things slightly different than we do. The German underlining feeling from the older generation/ political element is that they have a dark/dirty history and it isn't championed.
The younger generation struggle to identify with the older ideals, and why they should be penalised ( Germans pay a reformation tax to the east still) and also the resettlement of historical refugees to the west from old German occupied Russia/ eastern block is a massive bone of contention due to interest free mortgages etc.
I guess In all cases the victor writes the history books, and the defeated has to wipe its nose.
Fair enough, thanks for that insightful reply mate!
Off to Germany on Saturday and wanted to check it wouldn't cause any hassle/offence, not that I'm sure if that would stop me wearing one so much as it's nice to be understanding and ready.
Cheers again!
Off to Germany on Saturday and wanted to check it wouldn't cause any hassle/offence, not that I'm sure if that would stop me wearing one so much as it's nice to be understanding and ready.
Cheers again!
I concur with Nathanhu. Most folks in Germany wouldn't know what it represented. Nor would they be inclined to ask. The Germans tend to be far more introverted (until they get to know you) Which of course is the opposite of the normally extroverted yanks that live in Germany.
Yet. Even though the Germans collectively try to not talk of the war. They have an incredibly large number of museums/ historic landmarks about the war. A good one in Koln is the Nazi documentation center. It's very interesting and well done.
And the Kolsch brew is good.
Enjoy your trip Ste.
Yet. Even though the Germans collectively try to not talk of the war. They have an incredibly large number of museums/ historic landmarks about the war. A good one in Koln is the Nazi documentation center. It's very interesting and well done.
And the Kolsch brew is good.
Enjoy your trip Ste.
