| Führer und Reichskanzler (“Leader and Reichchancellor”) Adolf Hitler (April 20, 1889 – April 30, 1945) addresses the Hitlerjugend (“Hitler Youth”) during the 6th Party Congress on September 8, 1934, in Nuremberg. Reichsjugendführer (“Reich Youth Leader”) Baldur von Schirach (May 9, 1907 – August 8, 1974), stepped forward and introduced the crowd to Hitler, detailing their achievements and the enthusiasm and hard work required to make them happen. Cheers marked the end of the speech and a hush fell over the crowd as Hitler began to speak. He explained his vision for the immediate and long term future of Germany and the Hitler Youth’s part in it achieving it. Hitler took the podium and gave this speech: “My German youth, after a year, I can greet you here again. You are here today in this place, a cross section of what is around us in the whole of Germany. We know that you German boys and girls are taking on everything we hope for from Germany. We want to be one people, and you, my youth, are to be this people. We want to see no more class divisions: you must not let this grow up amongst you.” “We want to see one nation one day, and you must train for it. We want our people to be obedient, and you must practice obedience. We want our people to love peace, but also to be brave. You must be peace-loving and so you must be peace-loving and courageous at the same time. We want our people to remain strong. It will be hard, and you must steel yourselves for it in your youth. You must learn to suffer privation without crumbling once.” “Whatever we create today, whatever we do, we will die, but Germany will live on in you. When there is nothing left of us, then you must hold in your fists the flags that we hoisted out of nothing. I know this cannot be otherwise because you are the flesh of our flesh, and the blood of our blood. In your young heads burns the same spirit that rules us. You cannot be other than united with us. When the great columns of our movement march triumphantly through Germany today, I know you will join the columns. We know before us Germany lies, in us Germany burns, and behind us Germany follows.” When his speech ended, a command silenced the cheers and the young men and boys stood to attention ready for the inspection parade. A drum rhythmically beat out a slow march as the Führer left the stage and walked along the endless ranks. More songs followed but the highlight for many, particularly those at the back of the stands, was when the Führer was driven slowly around the running track. The motorcade left the stadium as the boys sang the Hitler Youth anthem, but the cheers continued long after Hitler was out of earshot. Yet again the Führer had reaffirmed his connection with a selection of Germany’s male youth; they in turn had had an unforgettable experience. | |
| Image Filename | wwii0511.jpg |
| Image Size | 735.37 KB |
| Image Dimensions | 2320 x 3000 |
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| Caption Author | Written or Adapted by Jason McDonald |
| Date Photographed | September 8, 1934 |
| Location | |
| City | Nuremberg |
| State or Province | Bavaria |
| Country | Germany |
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| Status | Caption ©2026 MFA Productions LLC Please Do Not Duplicate or Distribute Without Permission; Image in the Public Domain |
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