On June 10, at the invitation of French President Emmanuel Macron, Federal President Steinmeier travelled to France. He is the first German Federal President to participate in a commemoration ceremony to mark the 80th anniversary of the Oradour-sur-Glane Massacre where, on 10 June 1944, a German SS company killed 643 civilians and completely destroyed the village. After the war, the ruins of the village were maintained as a permanent historic memorial.
It is silence that speaks first in this place. Whoever speaks here must do justice to this silence,
the Federal President said in his speech which he delivered in French. Whoever speaks here feels the authority of suffering, the victims and profound sorrow. Here, big words become small - they must stand up to the speechlessness that goes along with great suffering.
It is courageous people who allowed us, as Germans, to be here today. And they are courageous to have initiated a special reconciliation
, he said. Reconciliation took place between actual people in day-to-day encounters: It is a reconciliation that never forgets. But it does not only look back to the past. It lives in a new present and also hopes for a better future. For us, Germans and the French, the hope for a better future became a reality: the reality of Franco-German friendship.
With regard to the recently held elections to the European Parliament, the Federal President emphasised the importance of a united and peaceful Europe: Let us never forget the damage nationalism and hatred caused in Europe. Let us never forget the miracle of reconciliation that the European Union has achieved! Let us protect our united Europe!
Overview of the programme
Monday, 10 June 2024
- In the morning
Arrival in Limoges - Afterwards
Meeting with children from Oradour-sur-Glane and Hersbruck and exchange on an art project as part of the town friendship Hersbruck-Oradour-sur-Glane - Midday, Oradour-sur-Glane, Centre de la mémoire
Presentation of a miniature of the sculpture "Paperbomb" by artist Nessi Nezilla to the President of the French Republic Emmanuel Macron in the presence of young people - Followed by
Visit to the Centre of Remembrance - Followed by
Visit to the martyred village of Oradour-sur-Glane - Followed by
Address by the Federal President and wreath-laying ceremony at the memorial and visit to the Oradour-sur-Glane cemetery - Afternoon, parish hall of Oradour-sur-Glane
Buffet entre amis, given by the President of the French Republic - Afterwards
Flight to Berlin