Gert Hoffmann: Looking back
Gert Hoffmann in Zaragoza in 2008. Photo aragondigital.es
Gert Hoffmann, the Austrian International Brigader, will be turning 94 soon. He sends us the following note :
Reflecting on the anniversary of the end of the Second World War, I recall the hopes we had in that moment of great relief, of peace finally regained. But I wonder–I have wondered for decades–whether those hopes were justified. Have we achieved a more just world? Has the scourge of war disappeared? Have we been able to overcome the arrogance of self-appointed superior races? Those of us who sacrified a good part of our youth to achieve those goals now feel disappointed, betrayed by governments who claim to preserve the ideals for which the war was fought and won on May 8, 1945.
As I am about to leave this beautiful world, I feel compelled to state that I have not for one moment lost faith in the fact that our ideals were just and that the future of humanity will be socialism.
Reflexionando sobre el aniversario del fin de la guerra tengo presente las esperanzas que tuvimos los que en aquel momento sentimos el gran alivio de la Paz enfin recuperada. Me pregunto – desde hace decenios – si estas esperanzas fueron justificadas.
Hemos conseguido un mundo más justo? Ha desaparecido el flagelo de la guerra? Hemos superado la arrogancia de raza autonominada superior? Los que hemos sacrificado buena parte de nuestra juventud a conseguir esas metas nos sentimos decepcionados, traicionados por gobiernos que pretenden preservar los ideales por los que se había luchado y ganado la guerra el 8 de mayo de 1945.
En el umbral de dejar este lindo mundo me importa declarar que ni un momento he dejado la confianza en que nuestras metas fueron justas y que el futuro de la humanidad será el socialismo.
Gert Hoffmann, a sus casi 94 años
As a WW II vet I don’t understand how I forgot the anniversary of the end of the war in Europe.
I was aboard a C 47 flying space available over Washington, DC when the pilot announced the end of the war.
Gilbert Wells
Portugal
My admiration for a guy who fought against injustice, racism and discrimination hoping that all evil will end and Peace will reign. This is far from reality, but he still has faith in a just World. We need more, many more people like him!