As the president of Germany, I feel only pain and shame. I bow my head before the dead. On behalf of my country, I ask you for forgiveness, said Frank-Walter Steinmeier in the town of Marzabotto near Bologna, where the Germans committed the largest massacre of the Italian civilian population during World War II.
On September 29 and October 5, 1944, the Nazis killed 770 people in Marzabotto, including women and children. – As president, I feel only pain and shame. I bow my head before the dead. On behalf of my country, I ask you for forgiveness, said Frank-Walter Steinmeier, addressing the participants of the anniversary celebrations commemorating the greatest Italy massacre during World War II.
Italian President Sergio Mattarella also took part in the celebrations.
Germany they massacred the population in the area between the towns of Marzabotto, Grizzana Morandi and Monzuno.
Italian President Sergio Mattarella embraces Frank-Walter SteinmeierEPA/Quirinale
“Italy, Germany and Europe managed to rise from this hell”
Italy's president said that “inhuman Nazi-fascist cruelty has torn this land apart.” – We are here to remember, because memory brings responsibility. During World War II, the bottom of the abyss was reached, he added. He spoke of “barbarism and the erasure of all human dignity.”
– Italy, Germany and Europe managed to rise from this hell, building freedom, peace, democracy, rights, community, new security. Our parents, our grandparents did not give up. They were able to transform the most unspeakable and inexplicable pain into a generational strength, Mattarella added.
Main photo source: EPA/Quirinale