Free Republic
Browse · Search
News/Activism
Topics · Post Article

To: BlueLancer
Oh, I remember the story what you experienced. Excuse me, my fault, though I request your apology, because I have heard stories from dozens of FReepers regarding Germany - I couldn´t remember all of them. But, in addition, I never heard what happened to your spouse before. I´m sorry -as I told you before- for these bad incidents. However, I told you before too, this could have happened to German soldiers in these times as well, and it does not represent my people.

Kind regards,

Michaeö
133 posted on 02/06/2004 10:37:37 AM PST by Michael81Dus
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 132 | View Replies ]


To: Michael81Dus
No problem, Michael. On an individual basis, I have no problem with Germans .. and, I must admit, sometimes, I let my @ss overrun my mouth.

I will say this much though. On my first tour to Germany, we were conducting a mechanized road march during REFORGER (1976, I think), travelling between Wildflecken and the Graefenwoehr training center. My unit, Company C, 2/12 Cavalry, were riding our APCs all through the back roads, passing through little town after little town. I was standing in the back hatch of my M-113; as the M-60 gunner for the squad in the rearmost APC, I was "rear security". I remember passing through one of many villages and there were fairly substantial crowds of Germans standing beside the roadway, watching us pass. The kids, generally, appeared to be very excited at the "parade" and were waving at us, while we waved back at them.

The road took a sharp left turn halfway through the village and, as the APC made its turn, I was looking down what might be considered a small alleyway. The upper story of the house on the left side of the alley had a window that projected somewhat over it, but I doubt if anybody else in the column really noticed it. But I did. In that window was a very young boy .. maybe five or six. What I've since guessed is that his parents wouldn't let him come outside to watch the road march for whatever reason, and he was watching it from the window as best he could. When I first caught sight of him, he was waving his hand in a desultory manner; obviously, he had been waving, hoping that somebody would see him but, also obviously, no other member of my company had. When I saw him waving, I smiled and waved back ... you could just see him sit up straight, break into a huge smile, and start waving happily.

The road continued straight for about two blocks before making another turn; for that whole time, he and I waved at each other, and you could just see him getting happier and happier at the interchange. Then the APC slewed around and I lost sight of him.

I don't remember the name of the little town that we passed through, but I often think of and relate that story to others. I still get a little misty-eyed when I think of it.

So, in general, pay no attention to me. I'm getting grouchy in my old age. My wife says that my temper will be the death of me (usually when I lose it at her and she threatens to kill me).

134 posted on 02/06/2004 10:52:17 AM PST by BlueLancer (Der Elite Møøsënspåånkængrüppen ØberKømmååndø (EMØØK))
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 133 | View Replies ]

Free Republic
Browse · Search
News/Activism
Topics · Post Article


FreeRepublic, LLC, PO BOX 9771, FRESNO, CA 93794
FreeRepublic.com is powered by software copyright 2000-2008 John Robinson