During the month of November, neo-Nazi activists convene throughout Germany to pay respect to the deceased German soldiers of the first and second World Wars, to veterans who died after WWII, as well as to National Socialist figures they revere, such as Minister of Propaganda Joseph Goebbels. The neo-Nazi observances are called "The Heroes' Commemoration." Their ceremonies are a response to "National Mourning Day," a day dedicated in Germany to the victims of Nazism, to reconciliation, international understanding, and peace, while simultaneously mourning those who died in wars and in terrorist attacks.
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In 1922, Germany established a National Day of Mourning in November, to commemorate the victims of World War I. In 1949, when the German Federal Republic was established, the original mourning day was re-introduced, and has since been dedicated to reconciliation, international understanding, and peace. The day is a "silent day" (stiller Tag) to remember victims of the Nazi regime, those who died of famine during and after the war, and those who were displaced. Ceremonies also recall those who died in other conflicts, and in terrorist attacks. In some German states, music and dances are prohibited by law.
German neo-Nazis across the country have resurrected the commemoration day as it was observed during the Nazi period, when Minister of Propaganda Joseph Goebbels declared the day to be "Heroes' Commemoration Day." The neo-Nazis, in observances held during the entire month of November, profess their loyalty and admiration to the fallen soldiers of both world wars, veteran members of the "Schutzstaffel" (the SS) and "Wehrmacht” (the armed forces of the Third Reich) and National Socialists; the neo-Nazis generally refer to them using the umbrella term "heroes," as camouflage to avoid any legal complications.
The neo-Nazis and ultranationalists in Germany consider it a duty to assemble during the month of November at various national and war memorials, as well as in cemeteries, for commemorative rituals, vigils, and the tending of graves, such as laying funeral wreaths and candles. Neo-Nazis document their ceremonies and upload films and commentary on their social media platforms, including Telegram, TikTok and, at times, on websites.
Neo-Nazis Conduct Many "Heroes' Commemoration" Ceremonies Throughout Germany In November
On November 28, a neo-Nazi party published a report titled, "Unforgotten" on its website. The report documents commemorative actions conducted by party members in the Bavarian towns of Lackenhäuser, Hofkirchen, Furth am Wald, and in Kirchheim unter Teck, a town in Baden-Württemberg. The ceremonies were intended to inspire "national revolutionaries" by studying those who, in the words of the report, put their nation and fatherland above material wealth; whose example teaches that life has a greater purpose than the meaningless, degenerate life in the Federal Republic of Germany. Fulfillment lies in pursuing a cause, the report instructs, worthy of great commitment, and that the heroism of the ancestors of those at the ceremonies "teaches that the fight for Germany is not in vain […] the enemies' relentless onslaught […] did not bring about Germany's downfall. Their bravery for their people and the fatherland's survival […] should ignite passion in all Germans." A united and strong Germany is needed to successfully face and undermine Germany's enemies, the report states.
The website notes that the group's heroes and veterans are considered criminals in Germany, and their endless persecution has led to a distorted perception of German forefathers, transforming Germany's future generations into inferior opponents and dishonorable figures.
The commemorative event in Württemberg began with a speech in honor of Albert Leo Schlageter, a veteran of the First World War, a member of the Freikorps, and a leading strategist in the "Kaap Putsch"-- an attempted coup against the government in Berlin in 1920. The Minister of Propaganda for the Third Reich, Joseph Goebbels, was celebrated as a German martyr, as he and his wife poisoned their six children and killed themselves after Adolf Hitler committed suicide. Those gathered honored the life of Goebbels and his subsequent martyrdom; his sacrifice will never be forgotten, according to members of the group. A ceremonial torch march followed.
A commemorative vigil was held at night at the war memorial in the Bavarian town in Furth im Wald. Activists conducted a torch ceremony for fallen German soldiers, the European voluntary battalions, and victims of the Allied air raids on German cities during WWII. The torch ceremony was accompanied by a blazing fire bowl and chants, including the formerly traditional German soldiers' lament, "Der gute Kamerad" ("The Good Comrade").
A similar ceremony was held in the lower Bavarian municipality Hofkirchen, where activists distributed hundreds of funeral candles.
In the Baden-Württemberg town of Kirchheim unter Teck, former soldiers' graves, cleared of weeds and leaves, were decorated with funeral candles embossed with the party logo,
On TikTok, the party's youth branch, posted a video on November 20 featuring impressions from the "Heroes' Commemoration" ceremony at a war memorial, superimposed with the words: "Dead are those, who are forgotten!"
On November 24, the party's Magdeburg/Altmark branch posted written impressions from the commemorative gathering in Magdeburg and the town of Gommern. The channel wrote: "The activists from the Magdeburg/ Altmark branch celebrated the 'National Mourning Day' in Magdeburg by cleaning the graves of veteran soldiers of WWI and WWII. The area where our fallen soldiers rest was completely cleared of weeds as well as leaves, and the gravestones were cleared of moss."
On Telegram, a neo-Nazi activist posted a video featuring impressions from a commemorative march in the Thuringian town of Schleusingen, where people can be seen marching with lit torches and a banner inscribed with the message: "Many Years Lies And Betrayal!"
The video depicts people with lit torches marching through Schleusingen with a banner reading: "Many Years Lies And Betrayal!"
On Telegram, the Saxony-Anhalt branch of a neo-Nazi party posted, on November 20, a collage of photographs featuring impressions from the commemorative ceremony held at various war memorial sites across Saxony-Anhalt. Party members can be seen adorning war memorial sites with funeral wreaths and bouquets of flowers. The channel wrote: "Across the country, Die Heimat members and members of our youth organization ["Young Nationalists"] participated yesterday in the commemoration for the victims of the two world wars! Only those who are forgotten are dead."
On Telegram, a neo-Nazi youth group posted, on November 21, three photographs featuring impressions from the Heroes' Commemoration gathering held in Dresden. Activists can be seen assembled with lit torches. The channel wrote: "[…] We gathered with our comrades for this year's Heroes' Memorial in Dresden. It is the duty of every loyal German to honor the dead, and thus allow them to live on. Even more than that, however, it is the duty of everyone to honor the legacy of their ancestors with their direct deeds, not only on days of remembrance, but on every single day of their lives! After all, who are we if we remember our fallen ancestors but do not do the same and do not face our fate with heroism and a willingness to sacrifice? Are we then even worthy of remembering them? […] Throughout German history, brave men have faced difficult situations, almost hopeless, but despite all fear, they at least chose the best possible move and achieved great things. Let us do the same and let our enemies know why storms are named after people! Heil to the ancestors! Heil to the fallen! Hail Germany!"
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