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POW
Nativity Scene
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It's a Christmas story no one could have imagined in the turmoil of World War II. While being held in a POW camp in the U.S., German prisoners constructed a very special holiday creation. One group is making sure it is not forgotten. Kim Riemland reports. |
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SCRIPT:
(Locator: Algona, Iowa)
Thousands of German POW’s toiled on farms during World War II, held at
Camp Algona in Iowa. But when Christmas came around, their message was
not one of war or hate.
“On earth, peace, good will toward men.”
Some artful German prisoners fashioned concrete and plaster into a
Nativity scene with 60 figures, half life-size. When the war ended and
the POW’s were released, they left it as a present to the small town.
Marvin Chickering/Algona First United Methodist Church: “They wanted to share the Christmas story
with us.”
The men’s group at Algona First United Methodist Church adopted the
Nativity scene in 1958.
The United Methodist Men raised money for a building to permanently
house the display, and church members volunteer to keep the Nativity
scene open to around 2,000 visitors each Christmas season.
Marvin Chickering/Algona First United Methodist Church: “It is a labor
of love as well. Because they’re aware of the history and
they’re aware that this is something that we think needs to be
preserved.”
World War II veteran and Algona resident Max Bartholomew agrees the
Christmas tradition should go on for future generations.
Max Bartholomew/Algona Resident: “I appreciate the fact that the
German soldiers thought enough that they made that type of display.”
And while there are conflicts this Christmas in some parts of the world,
in Algona, Iowa, there's a symbol of peace on earth.
Makenzie Pesicka/Algona Resident: “Amazing, because when they said
that it was our enemies, like, you’d think that they wouldn’t do
anything but like hurt people. Then when they leave, they’re your
friends.”
Marvin Chickering/Algona First United Methodist Church: “We just need
to work hard as individuals to try to treat others as we would want to
be treated – the golden rule. And if we all do that, peace is attainable,
in my mind.”
TAG:
The POW Nativity scene is open through New Year’s Eve. One of the stipulations from the German POW’s who created it was that no one should be charged to see it.
The Germans were treated very well while in Camp
Algona. They had books to read. They took courses in English, social
studies, and math. They also had a drama club, an orchestra and a
chorus.
For more information, contact
Algona First United Methodist Church at
515-295-7241.
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