In that photo, you can see August Landmesser showcasing his distaint of nazi views and mob mentality. The photo was taken in 1936. The event was about a new navy training ship being launched. While everyone was doing the nazi salute, you can see August standing firmly, with his arms crossed. But what was the reason this man wanted everyone to know what he actually thought about the regime? What made him not bend over backwards, like every other poor worker did?
Some Context
In the 1930's, fascism was on the rise in Europe. In the time of ideological nonsense and political bias, love managed to spark beetwen a german worker and a jewish woman. They're were the right person for each other in the wrong time, though their bravery speaks volume. No matter the punishment, they have publicly continued their relationship. A relationship, that had blossomed two children. This story is about war, politics and the rather shameful part of history. But most importantly, it is a story about love. A bond, that not even a faul ideology could demolish.
Who Was August Landmesser?
August was a german worker, who had joined the Nazi Party in 1931 in hopes of finding employment. His reason for joining the National Socialist German Workers Party was not uncommon. Germany was rebuilding itself after The Great War. At that time, the party was without a doubt, at its peak of popularity. Many hoped that it would provide the stability that the nation long hoped for. Ideologies aside, people wanted jobs, and so did August. His time with the party only lasted for some time though, as in 1935, he was engaged to Irma Eckler, who was a woman of Jewish heritage. For this, he was expelled from the party. In that year, the couple registered to be married, but the Nuremberg Laws, which was discrimative and wanted to cement anti-semite views in the law, prevented them from officially doing so. In 1935, they also had their first children. Her name was Ingrid.
What become of the couple?
In 1937, Landmesser attempted to escape to Denmark, along with his family but they were detained at the border. Under the Nuremberg Laws, he was charged with "dishonoring the race". Due to the lack of evidence, he was let go but with a warning, which meant the next time he will face prison time. As I have stated it before, the couple have publicly continued their relationship and this has meant more trouble for them. Landmesser was sent to contrentation camp, and so was Eckler. Eckler was sent from camp to camp, until she ended up in Bernburg Enthunasia Centre, where she was gassed along with 14000 others. Their second daughter, Irene saw the "light" in prison. Landmesser was released from prison two and a half years later in 1941. Some time after that he was drated into the penal battalion. August Landmesser was declared killed in action in 1944 on Croatian soil. Their two daughters (while one got to live with her original grandparents) was sent to orphanages and later went on to live with foster parents. Ingrid in 1951, officially took up the surname Landmesser, while Irene continued to use the Eckler name. Augusts and Irmas marriage was officially recognized by the Senate of Hamburg.
Some thoughts of mine
That image of August has lived on as great piece of history. It is both powerful and inspiring. Even if their story seems rather sad, I believe there is a silver lining to all of this. Their love outlasted the Nazi regime in more than one ways. Their childen went on to live full lives, carrying their names and their story with them. Their marriage became official and the Nuremberg Laws went straight to the trash can. It's as if not even death could seperate them, while they managed to flip the regime off once more. I think this is heartwarming and hilarious. With this article I only want to inspire whoever might read this, to never be afraid to act upon your love and never give in to peer preassure. If you know something is wrong, don't be afraid to act up againts it. Have the courage you know you have. It feels like these days, not too many people wants to admit that they have the power and say to change many things. With this article I also want to inspire you to cherish your loved ones. Take after August, who in a world that was in mayhem, managed to spark a flame in someones heart...
Sources:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/August_Landmesser
When I was travelling the mountains together with my college friends, someone asked me related to computers.
I was easily able to answer the questions since I've been reading and watching a lot of tech vids.
They were just so amazed at how I was able to answer quickly.
Then another friends asked for help as well and I was able to answer it too.
That's when I realized that I have a knack for teaching stuff related to computers.
So then, I researched more and slowly building my home studio so I can record myself then post videos on YouTube.I may have not built an empire online as other gurus have but I know I can do this.How about you?
