Every November in Berlin, Scouts of the Transatlantic Council reflect on one of the darkest chapters of the city’s history. The Pogromnacht of November 9, 1938 marked a violent escalation of antisemitic persecution in Nazi Germany. Synagogues were burned, Jewish-owned homes and businesses were destroyed and thousands of Jewish people were arrested, attacked or killed.

Troop 46 held their annual Pogromnacht memorial and service event, dedicated to remembering victims of the Holocaust and reinforcing lessons of empathy and moral courage. It started at the Mirrored Wall Memorial in Berlin-Steglitz. This striking memorial stands in place of a synagogue that once served the local Jewish community. Its absence is a symbol of what was lost. The memorial also commemorates the deportation of Berlin’s Jewish residents during the Holocaust. Gathered here, Scouts, adult leaders, and family members shared a moment of silence before beginning their walk of reflection through the community.

Troop 46 then visited a number of Stolpersteine, which are small brass memorial plaques installed in the pavement in front of the last freely chosen residences of individuals persecuted or murdered by the Nazis. Each Stolperstein represents a name, a life and a story. In preparation for the event, Scouts volunteered to research the history of the individuals commemorated by the Stolpersteine they visited.

At each location, a Scout or adult leader shared researched stories about the person or family remembered there. They respectfully cleaned and polished the plaque, lit candles and paused to pay their respects. By honoring those who suffered and perished, these Scouts help cultivate a culture of awareness, compassion, and responsibility. Through their service, Troop 46 demonstrated that remembrance is not passive; it is an active choice to learn, to care, and to share stories that must never be forgotten.

To learn more about Scouting America in Germany and beyond, visit TACScouting.org.

Editor’s Note: This article was written by a member of the local military community, not an employee of Stars and Stripes. Neither the organization nor the content is being represented by Stars and Stripes or the Department of Defense. 

related stories

• From liberation to friendship: WWII veterans return to Berlin for school’s Veteran’s Day assembly  
• Eagle Scout receives Heroism Award for life-saving response to e-bike crash
• SACEUR General Cavoli honored with Scouting’s Distinguished Eagle Scout Award for Exemplary Leadership and Service