This year we drove with 26 participants from Zell am Mosel to Verdun. The destination was the theme this year: From February to November 1916, the Battle of Verdun lasted.
My grandfather fought as a simple soldier in this pointless and incredibly bloody battle and only survived as one of a few of his battalion the hell of Verdun. Once he spoke about his war experiences, shortly before his death with me then 14-year-old grandson. It was important to him, the simple farmer from East Westphalia, then two things he wanted to give me at the end of his life: "The French are our friends and not our enemies!" And: "You must be careful that such a thing never happens again! "
After our final Mass with the group, I sat alone near the Mémorial de Verdun and guarded our luggage. Somewhat below me, in the sparse ruins of the ruined village, there was a memorial service of French and German soldiers, reservists and veterans with their families. I heard the songs, some of the speeches and the quiet moments of remembrance. Finally, they played "I had a comrade" as a song that has meaning for both sides, and then sang together both national anthems. Personally, I do not like such celebrations, but I had to think of my grandfather, who thought that this event was a miracle that he would have enjoyed endlessly! Up here, I know why I am European and what the process of European cooperation, networking and friendship brings us: peace! And much more than a country or a nation, but a continent where diversity is possible and self-evident. Up here, Europe is a miracle!