Meropi Ydraiou on the anniversary of the bombing of Corfu
bombing
13 Sep 2019
/ 08:12
CORFU. 14 September 1943: the burning of Corfu Town by the Germans. The Central Corfu and Diapontia Islands Mayor΄s statement.
"It is 76 years since the devastation of Corfu when, in the early hours of 14 September 1943, German planes dropped incendiary bombs and the town went up in flames.
Even if it wanted to, Corfu cannot forget it. The wounds from that night have left an indelible mark, not only on the town but on the souls of those Corfiots who lived through it. Even today there are signs of the damage done in the areas of the town which were hit first and hit hardest, such as the Jewish district. Even today we reminisce about the Municipal Theatre, which was one of the first victims of the incendiary bombing.
The burning of Corfu Town demonstrated the abhorrent side of a senseless war which destroyed everything in its path. After all the tragic events came freedom - tortured, weary, injured, hungry and mourning - and it took many years to be able to heal the wounds of war.
Today's anniversary brings back memories of a time when Corfu paid a high price in the war. A time we must never forget so that we can hold dear the value of freedom and the peaceful coexistence of all peoples.
That tragic night when Corfu went up in flames from the incessant bombings needs to be deeply etched in our memory. In needs to remain there so that tragic events like that can never happen again. It must teach us how necessary it is to protect freedom and establish peace."
Even if it wanted to, Corfu cannot forget it. The wounds from that night have left an indelible mark, not only on the town but on the souls of those Corfiots who lived through it. Even today there are signs of the damage done in the areas of the town which were hit first and hit hardest, such as the Jewish district. Even today we reminisce about the Municipal Theatre, which was one of the first victims of the incendiary bombing.
The burning of Corfu Town demonstrated the abhorrent side of a senseless war which destroyed everything in its path. After all the tragic events came freedom - tortured, weary, injured, hungry and mourning - and it took many years to be able to heal the wounds of war.
Today's anniversary brings back memories of a time when Corfu paid a high price in the war. A time we must never forget so that we can hold dear the value of freedom and the peaceful coexistence of all peoples.
That tragic night when Corfu went up in flames from the incessant bombings needs to be deeply etched in our memory. In needs to remain there so that tragic events like that can never happen again. It must teach us how necessary it is to protect freedom and establish peace."
