Army Quote by Hanna Reitsch
“And what have we now in Germany? A land of bankers and car-makers. Even our great army has gone soft. Soldiers wear beards and question orders. I am not ashamed to say I believed in National Socialism. I still wear the Iron Cross with diamonds Hitler gave me. But today in all Germany you can't find a single person who voted Adolf Hitler into power... Many Germans feel guilty about the war. But they don't explain the real guilt we share — That we lost.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Personal testimony, post‑World War II Germany, 1948
The speaker reflects on Germany’s transformation, noting loss of militaristic vigor and collective guilt, while lamenting the disappearance of overt Nazi support.
In simple terms: Germany changed; past pride faded.
Key Takeaway
Recognize history, avoid glorifying past regimes.
Themes
history
guilt
identity
memory
politics
Mood
reflective
somber
critical
Type
historical
political
personal
When to use this quote
- historical analysis
- education
- public discourse
- memorials
- reconciliation
Key Concepts
nationalism
collective memory
post‑war trauma
Questions to Reflect On
- How does personal nostalgia affect collective memory?
- What responsibilities arise from acknowledging past guilt?
A Different Perspective
The speaker’s personal pride may blind them to broader moral responsibility.
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