Sunday 19 November 2023 was Volkstrauertag, the German equivalent to the UK's Remembrance Sunday and is celebrated throughout the communities in Germany. The town of Viersen was no exception. A service was held at the Löh Cemetery from 11 o'clock. Following the opening by a Pipe Band from the Netherlands, Herr Udo van Neer gave the opening address which was followed by a speech by the Head Mistress of the local High School talking of the connections between her school and schools in Israel, which need upholding despite the ongoing Israel/Hamas war. The Mayoress, Frau Sabine Anne-Müller then spoke of the support that must be given to members of the Jewish faith in the community in light of the increase in anti-Semitic activity.

The photograph shows Herr van Neer at the lectern. The Branch wreath was placed at the foot of the lectern during the proceedings. Following the speeches the wreaths of a number of German organisations and ours  were walked to the Memorial. The various wreaths were laid at the Momument by the representatives of the town of Viersen, the Bundesreservisten and the Civil Defence organisation. The wreath for the Branch was laid by Dick Simmons who was accompanied by Herr Robert Neber (a Branch member). The Pipe Band played Amazing Grace and a further March tune. The Sevice ended with the German National Anthem sung by those attending.