I loved hearing the stories of the end of the Nazi regime from those who lived through it.  Never thought I would live through the same.

Just a background.  When the US declared war on Germany shortly after Pearl Harbour, the German population had already been demoralized by the declaration of war against the Soviet Union that past Summer. They sensed that deep down it was a bad call.  This was the turning point for the Germans.  I believe most knew that it was only a matter of time before the American invasion occurred.   The Nazi Regime turned up the pressure on their population.  Increased the exterminations and forced labour camps.  The Gestapo had to eliminate all resistance at any cost.  The Hitler Youth Core became even more of a snitch force for the cause.  Fear was rampant.  No one could tell the truth or face the consequences.

The best stories were of the last few months of the war as the Allied Forces swept across Europe to meet up with the Soviets.

As territory was liberated, the collaborators were shot, hung or had other retributions dealt upon them.  The Allies looked the other way.  It was abrupt.  The Collaborators kept up with their evil deeds until the tide turned.   It worked until it didn’t.

We may think we are a civilized nation but so was The Fatherland before Hitler.  1000’s were killed in payback.  I have no way of knowing what the next few months will bring.   If it devolves into guerilla warfare to take back the country, all bets are off.

People are not quite there but “when one has nothing left to lose, they lose it”.  Gerald Celante.