Today we remember what true patriotism means.

 Last nights Brit Awards saw  star attending  last nights Brit Awards will be given a white rose pin in support of the #TimesUp campaign.

Although I support the reason behind the campaign it is a pity they  chose a White Rose symbol because it coincides with the anniversary of which the White Rose is an important symbol.

 As Today is the 75th anniversary of the execution of Hans Sophie Scholl I am reposting an article i wrote on this Blog in 2011

On Tuesday February 22nd I will be wearing a White Rose in memory of the young members of the White Rose movement  who executed buy the Nazi on that day in  1943.
They were mostly students at Munich University  who came to realise the shear evil of that Nazi regime and that the only way to defeat it was for Germany to lose the War.
They produced several leaflets on this theme ,but were eventually betrayed and arrested. Contrary to some chroniclers they were not tortured by the Gestapo but the manner of their eventual Trial and Deaths  was chilling.
The second Pamphlet   gives you some Idea of their standpoint.

Since the conquest of Poland three hundred thousand Jews have been murdered in this country in the most bestial way … The German people slumber on in their dull, stupid sleep and encourage these fascist criminals … Each man wants to be exonerated of a guilt of this kind, each one continues on his way with the most placid, the calmest conscience. But he cannot be exonerated; he is guilty, guilty, guilty!"

You can and should read all of the leaflets here.

This was not a movement of those who realised Germany had lost the War and were preparing the "Good German defence". They were arguing that Germany deserved to lose the War and Germans were as guilty as the Nazi for not opposing them.
Amongst those executed were Brother and Sister Hans and Sophie Scholl who were 25 and 22 when they were executed by Guillotine.

There is an excellent Geman Language Film  Sophie Scholl – Die letzten Tage (Sophie Scholl: The Final Days), featuring actress Julia Jentsch  which deals withe her arrest, interrogation,trial and eventual execution which made me weep for someone who more courage than I will ever have and displayed such Humanity.Throughout the World there are still people who will stand up to evil governments who live by the motto of the White Rose movement.

We will not be silent. We are your bad conscience. The White Rose will not leave you in peace!

So on the 22 February I will wear a single White Rose in memory of these Bbave young people, who have shown us that there will always be those who stand up for Humanity and Justice and if we keep their memory then this will prevail even in the most vile of Regimes.

You do not need to join me in wearing a white rose  Today , but you should perhaps wear one in your heart.