A Day of Remembrance in Kandanos
On Thursday, German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier made a poignant visit to the village of Kandanos in Crete, marking a significant moment in history. This visit was particularly noteworthy as Steinmeier became the first German head of state to acknowledge the painful past of this village, which was razed during World War II by Nazi forces.
Seeking Forgiveness for Historical Wrongs
During his visit, Steinmeier addressed the survivors and descendants of Kandanos, expressing sincere remorse for the atrocities committed by German troops. “I ask forgiveness from you, the survivors and descendants, for the grave crimes that the Germans committed here,” he stated. The significance of these words cannot be understated, as they represent a long-overdue acknowledgment of the injustices faced by the people of this village.
A Reminder of the Dark Past
Kandanos was destroyed on June 3, 1941, as an act of reprisal against local resistance fighters following the death of 25 German paratroopers. This tragic event is one of the many instances where violence reigned during the occupation, leading to the designation of Kandanos as one of approximately 120 “martyr villages” across Greece. Steinmeier’s visit serves as a reminder of the tragic histories that shaped many European communities and emphasizes the importance of remembering and confronting these dark chapters of history.