This post is a little different. I’m not sharing information, I’m looking for it.
In college I studied history, and I’m still a curious reader about the past. I firmly believe that we can better move forward by learning from what happened before. Stories must be recorded and saved, even the difficult ones. Because of this, I’ve always offered a platform here on the website for anyone who has a story to share (Marianne’s Story Child Refugee from Stettin)… and have also shared family stories (Schreckendorf; The Home they Left Behind)
I was recently contacted by author Beate Schmitt, co-author of the book War Stories 1939-1945 : Recollections of Those Who Cried, who asked for my, and therefore our, help.
She introduces herself… My name is Beate Schmitt Glowacki and I was born in 1961 in Hanau am Main. Both parents often shared their war experiences at family gatherings which left quite an imprint on me. As well I had the opportunity to visit Omaha Beach in the Normandy before I emigrated to Canada in 1985.
In 2000, she and her partner published a collection of stories called “War Stories 1939-1945 : Recollections of Those Who Cried.” But, she felt like it wasn’t complete. After researching more about German post-war experiences, Beate is hoping to compile a book of personal histories that create a more balanced version of what really happened during the war.
Included in this book would be stories about the post-war movement of German Nationals from the East to the West. 12 million Germans were relocated, and yet their stories are generally forgotten by history books. Or glossed over because of the Holocaust.
Her new book is meant to be more inclusive. She is putting together a book of stories related to all viewpoints. Not the tank battles or bombs, but the PEOPLE’S stories. In her words, to show the “Menschliche Seite” or Human side of war. Currently, her parent’s stories are part of this book, as well as some other family members, vets and a few other people she’s had the chance to interview.
She is looking for more personal histories to fill things out. If no one shares, then no one will ever know. She writes “the victors wrote their stories by covering up something that should have never been covered up.” It’s time to pull off that covering.
What was it like to grow up in Germany after WW2? Growing up in Germany during and after the war was not easy for anyone. There are many lenses for looking back at that time and place.
If you would like to share your story. You can contact Beate by email —–> [email protected]
… she will make it as easy as possible. If you don’t like to write, she can set up a phone interview. I’m sure also that if you are uncomfortable letting people know who you are, the stories can be told anonymously.
And as always… I’m open to sharing personal stories here on the www.GermanGirlinAmerica.com website.
Contact me at [email protected]
Thank you for your help in filling in the missing chapters.
Eure Karen