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September 11 is a tragic day for both the Germans and Americans of Darmstadt
| 11 September 2007 |
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| US and German wreaths at the memorial at Kelley Barracks (Amy Bruenning Sturm) |
The 11th of September 1944 and 11th of September 2001 hold special meaning for the Germans and Americans
of Darmstadt. This was the night in 1944 that British bombers destroyed the heart of the old city of Darmstadt. Early in the
afternoon (Darmstadt time) of 2001 this was the day when the financial heart of New York city was destroyed when terrorists
crashed high-jacked planes into the Twin Towers. In addition another plane was crashed into the Pentagon in Washington DC
and only the courage of passengers on Flight 93 prevented further destruction and death in the American capital.
Since 2002 Americans and Germans have a held a joint memorial service at the gates of Kelley Barracks to
commemorate the day that both nations will mourn forever. The commemoration in 2008 was the last one that will be held at
Kelly Barracks. The memorial was given to the city of Darmstadt and will be placed where it can still be a joint commemoration.
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