Youngsters unite for war heroes in Cannock Chase
A special journey to remember fallen heroes has been made by an international delegation of young people.
Sixteen teenagers from Germany joined Staffordshire students and dignitaries from across the county to commemorate those who died in the two World Wars. It is part of an annual ritual which last year celebrated its 50th anniversary.
Cannock Chase was chosen as the final resting place for 5,000 German and Austrian soldiers, airmen and civilian internees.
Each year, young people from Bremen and Staffordshire gather for a two-week series of activities in the summer, centred on tending the graves of both German and British soldiers on Cannock Chase.
The 16 and 17-year-olds laid wreaths and held services of remembrance at the German Military and Commonwealth War cemeteries.
As well as honouring the sacrifice of those killed in conflict, the visit is seen as an opportunity for the visitors and their hosts to improve their language skills, build new friendships, learn more about the history of World War II and get involved in projects focused on the theme of peace and reconciliation.
County Councillor Mark Sutton, cabinet support member for public health and community safety, said: "Young people have been annually visiting from Germany to help tend the military plots for over 50 years.
"The visit allows the young people to remember those in the war and commemorate the many years of friendship between Staffordshire and the German state of Bremen, as well as help in the maintenance of a part of Staffordshire that is internationally important.
"Contrary to popular belief, young people are interested in the lessons to be learned from war time."
