Photo: REGIERUNGonline/Kugler
The eternal flame of remembranceShe very much appreciated the invitation to take part in the Armistice Day celebrations in her capacity as German head of government, said the Chancellor.Angela Merkel promised that the Germans would never forget how the French suffered in the first half of the twentieth century because of their neighbours.
Only a ruthlessly honest look at our own history allows us to learn from it and to shape the future together, the Chancellor continued.
Germany is well aware of the strength of the will for reconciliation shown by its neighbours. "France offered Germany the hand of friendship, and Germany will never forget that,” she said.
From reconciliation to friendship
The Chancellor underscored the importance of Franco-German friendship for Europe as a whole.
"We Europeans are thankfully united today,” she declared, looking back at the period of reconciliation after the war and to the coming together of the two halves of Europe in the wake of 9 November 1989.
Photo: REGIERUNGonline/Kugler
An enthusiastic welcome from friendsBoth commemorations, to mark the end of the World War and of the fall of the Berlin Wall, remind us of the importance of peace and liberty and call on us to stand up for our common values, she continued.
