German Leadership

Christmas, 1944.

Franz Eher, Munich (1944) and German Propaganda Archive (at www.calvin.edu)

The Fuhrer stares, somewhat vacantly, into his Tannenbaum in an image from the "Deutsche Kriegweihnacht" - the German war Christmas annual - for 1944. The accompanying text was from a speech made by Joseph Goebbels on Christmas Eve, 1941 - "On this evening we will think of the Fuhrer, who is also everywhere present this evening wherever Germans gather, and place ourselves in the service of the fatherland. At the end of the war, it shall be greater, lovelier, and more impressive. It should be the proud and free homeland for us all. We promise the Fuhrer that in this hour he can rely on his people at the front, at home, and in the world. He leads us. We follow him. Without the shadow of a doubt, we follow him, bearing the flag and the Reich. The flag and the Reich shall remain pure and unscathed when the great hour of victory comes." Words fail me. At any rate, I would like to take this opportunity to wish all posting and reading In Here a Very Happy Christmas (much happier than was that of 1944 for most), and a Prosperous New Year. With very best regards, JR.