3rd June 1939
Reich Veterans' Day

Reich Veterans' Day, Kassel, 3rd June 1939

(Grossdeutscher Reichskriegertag 1939)

See 27.12.1939 - 30/15

In 1939, the so-called Reich Veterans' Day took place in Kassel. It was organized by the Kyffhäuser League, an association of veterans. Because Hitler was expected to attend, the turnout increased from the anticipated 200,000 to 300,000. Some of these visitors were housed in the so-called 'Bed House,' which was later popularly known as the 'Reich Veterans' Hall,' located on Forstfeldstrasse in Bettenhausen. This building normally stored 30,000 beds and 60,000 mattresses. Kassel also called itself 'The City of the Reich Veterans' Days.' This designation is said to be one of the reasons for the massive [event/situation - context needed]. The bombing of the city center in 1943 claimed the lives of over 10,000 people. The author found the following article many years ago, without an author being identified.

'The euphoria in the first days of June knew no bounds. Kassel wasn't just in Germany's spotlight. All of Europe, albeit mostly with concern, was watching the city on the Fulda River, where almost 300,000 German soldiers from the (First) World War and the Wehrmacht were assembling. The newspapers seemed to have only one topic: the 1st Greater German Reich Veterans' Day from 2nd - 4th June. More pompous and louder than previous veterans' days. Greater German because Austria, the Sudetenland, and the Memel Territory were 'annexed' to the Reich.'

Kassel had dressed up especially for one day. It was Sunday, the final day, on which Adolf Hitler was scheduled to visit and review the military parade. He had last been in Kassel in 1933. For a long time, it was unclear where the Reich Chancellor would enter the city. Many speculated that he would arrive at Wilhelmshöhe station.

The news that Hitler was on the run spread like wildfire in the early hours of Sunday morning.The plane will arrive at the airfield in Waldau . Around 9:40 a.m., SS Reichsführer Heinrich Himmler's aircraft lands, and shortly afterward, the drone of other aircraft engines can be heard in the distance. They touch down on the airfield, and Hitler disembarks a short time later. Honour guards are assembled, and the Badenweiler March is played. Hitler greets the head of the Reich Veterans' League, General Wilhelm Reinhard, and the Gauleiter Karl Weinrich. Leading military officers and high-ranking National Socialists, among them Colonel General Wilhelm Keitel and Reich Leader Martin Bormann, accompany Hitler.

The Kasseler Neueste Nachrichten reports on a triumphal procession. Hitler stands and salutes in his open car. He rolls along Leipzig Street, whichFrom the Fulda Bridge , through the old town to Königsstraße. Thousands of Kassel residents cheer him frenetically. The city center is a sea of ​​flags. Loudspeakers are set up everywhere. People—around 200,000 citizens in total—line the streets, cheering. However, they are forbidden from bringing bouquets of flowers or even throwing them into Hitler's car. The reason given is that it poses a danger to the German people. Hitler drives to Friedrichsplatz, where large grandstands have been erected, and finally reaches the Karlswiese in the Aue park. The enormous military spectacle, a massive parade and the sole demonstration of power by the Hitler regime, begins.

Foreign guests, including the Japanese ambassador and military attachés from Hungary and Finland, also heard Hitler's rousing words after the Reich Veterans' Leader's welcoming address. 'My comrades,' he began, 'this is the first time I have participated in a Reich Veterans' Day, the first time I have spoken to you, former soldiers of the old and also the new Wehrmacht.' During his speech, the demagogue particularly attacked England and condemned 'the theft of the German colonies.' 'Heil Hitler,' the crowd chanted repeatedly. Many had forgotten the defeat in the war, which they perceived as a disgrace, and finally felt a new national strength. It was being systematically instilled in them. On this Sunday, General Reinhard called out to the crowd: 'The people are proud of their regained military sovereignty and of the new era that has earned the German people respect in the world.'

The level of organisation is, as always when the Nazis plan self-promotional events, very high. Mishaps are abhorred. The Reichskriegertag GmbH (Reich Veterans' Day Ltd.) and the Kassel Tourist Association are organising this impressive spectacle. Soldiers have been brought to Kassel on 119 special trains. They had originally expected 'only' 200,000, but in reality, more arrived. They are spending the night in a warehouse in Bettenhausen, in a tent on Friedrichsplatz, and with Kassel families. Providing for their needs alone is no easy logistical challenge. Leister's meadow on Leipziger Straße has been converted into a large-scale kitchen. The 'Bavarian Relief Train,' a catering unit, is in charge.

Twenty thousand kettles are set up to prepare coffee, tea with rum, and marching tea. 360,000 portions of food are being cooked. There's pea soup with bacon, goulash with mushrooms, and beef with noodles. Warriors are hungry.

Hitler left the city around 7 p.m., just as he had arrived. By plane. He inspected the ranks of the honour guard one last time and boarded the aircraft. Hitler would never return.

The hall still stands in Forstfeld. It's barely visible from Forstfeldstraße, as it's set back from the road. The picture was taken from the hiking trail that runs along the former site. The photo shows the Söhrebahn railway line at the corner of 'Schwarzer Weg,' which leads to the station. It is still in use; the roof was repaired some time ago.

Source: (Unknown author). https://www.erinnerungen-im-netz.de/

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