World War II often serves as a defining moment for most European countries. Few escaped the brutality of the war----from Eastern European countries torn apart by fighting between Germany and the Soviet Union to Western European countries devastated by the German war machine and air force. Generations of Europeans and Americans remember times of shortage and turmoil----but also of bravery and resolve.
The Danes----sitting on the Jutland Peninsula directly to the North of Germany----have long memories of World War II because their nation was invaded by the Germans and occupied for a period of almost four years. Recognizing that resisting the power of the Nazis would only lead to destruction, the Danish king surrendered his nation only two hours after the German invasion believing that he could work out an agreement with the Germans to protect his nation.
While this agreement did protect the Danes for awhile, German rule became more disagreeable over time. Like many European countries, Denmark relied on the Allied Forces of the United States and the United Kingdom to end the war and return freedom to their land.
Evidence of Danish appreciation for Allied Forces can be seen in very interesting ways around Copenhagen----including in Danish street signs:
Here's a good question for you: In what ways to we honor important people and events in the United States?
How about a better question: Do you think it is important to honor important people and events? Why or why not? Should we invest money in memorials and statues that remind us of the past?
I sure am looking forward to hearing your answers!
Signed,
Bam Bam Bigelow
Image retrieved from http://www.skylighters.org/visquiz/patch1.gif on July 2, 2007
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