On April 25, 2025, a delegation from our association, together with representatives of the city of Kahla and the Kahla Partnership Association, took part in the commemoration ceremonies in Castelnovo ne’ Monti in Italy. This day was marked by remembrance as well as friendship between our cities and a history that will forever bind us inextricably.
Together we commemorated the Italians who were deported to Kahla in 1944 and used there as forced laborers at various places. This connects our cities in a painful way. But it also requires open, honest remembrance in order to commemorate the suffering and fates of the deportees, for whom stumbling stones were laid and visited as part of the all-day celebrations. These stand for the responsibility that we all bear.
A central part of the trip was meeting friends and family members. Like that of Ermete Zucolini. Its history is symbolic of the important connection between Kahla and Castelnovo ne’ Monti. Ermete Zucoline’s family gave our association a brochure that impressively documents his life story in words and pictures. This moment was one of the emotional highlights of the commemoration ceremonies for all of us. In addition to the official program items, there was the opportunity to explore the region around Castelnovo ne’ Monti. The picturesque landscape and cultural peculiarities of the area invite us to strengthen the connection between our cities not only through the past, but also through the present.
Participation in the commemoration ceremonies is an important sign of reconciliation and cooperation between our cities. It proves the importance of a common culture of remembrance and international friendship and is testimony to a further step towards a common, peaceful future.
