If collectors are going to display a WWII diorama including German troops, wether it be on the march, on parade or in battle, it would be hard to totally ignore the swastika. This symbol was all over the place and and as flags of certain troops are displayed for many other conflicts through history, starting at Ancient Times, why would you want to ban this one in your display.
I don't get the problem, either from manufacturers or collectors or governments.
It is perfectly fine to display German WWII troops of any kind but as soon as the swastika comes in, it is all wrong and can't be done?
Konrad
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I would say it is a matter of choice for the collector. Some people have
suffered far more then others and it is quite easy to understand their feelings
reguarding either Germany or Japan. My mother lost her childhood sweetheart
and first husband on Omaha Beach on D-Day. He was a young First Lieutenant
and a combat engineer. He was killed with a large group of other engineers
when a german shell set off the explosives they were using to clear beach
obstacles. Even though my mother was part German she never forgave them.
Being part Irish, and with a fierce temper for the rest of her life if anyone
ever crossed her with a german accent watch out! She would have nothing to
do with any German products or businesses. My Dad fought the Germans from
Italy, thru France then Germany, was wounded once (minor) but saw a
different side of them, mainly terror. Thousands of Germans surrendered as
the Russian army got closer and closer to my Dad's unit. They all knew the
fate that awaited them in the hands of the Russians. He said they were good
soldiers and followed orders. But he also kept his edge.
One summer when I was still in High School I got a job in the parts
department of a Volkswagen dealership, this was maybe 1966. Everyday at
lunch the mechanics would all speak about WWII they were all Germans
either Luftwaffe, or tank mechanics. They would all ramble on
about their great equiptment until the head mechanic Wolfgang entered. He
would come in the break room the moment lunch was over and simply say
"Gentlemen".....all conversation would stop, lunch pails would be closed, pipes
put out and everyone would get up and leave without a word! It was very
impressive.
One day at dinner I told my Dad some of the war stories, and asked him why
he never told me anything......so he told me what to say the next day.
I waited at lunch for a break in the conversation and when it came I asked
the fellows what color the German flag was. They all looked at each other
and just as Wolfgang entered the room one of them said "Red and Black". I
said my Dad thought it was white, because all he saw was a bunch of guys
waving white flags and yelling surrender American! Man-o-man did that
room go silent, I thought I was a goner! Finally Wolfgang laughed, and said
"That was a good one" followed by "Gentlemen" he really saved my bacon,
and eveyone was nice after that.....but it taught me a lesson. Think before
you speak, and bulk up!
Many people suffered loses others cannot fully understand, and they must
deal with them as they can.
