The Nazi's still fought in the war just like the Americans, Canadians, etc. Either way, loosing your comrades on or off the battlefield is hard when you went through hell with them no matter what side you were on. Just because they fought for the Nazi's doesn't mean they don't feel like we do.
German soldiers weren't the only ones who fought. The Axis Powers had soldiers from other countries as well, like Japan, Hungary, Italy, Bulgaria, and Romania. They may have been enemies of the Allied Forces, but those soldiers had families and friends as well. They fought for what they believed was right. We've seen that happen all throughout history. Just because their beliefs are different than ours does not make them any less human than us. Hell. I hold massive respect for Red Baron, and he fought for Imperial Germany in WWI. I hold great respect to anyone who willingly serves in the military, whether it is ours or not.
I get what you're saying, I really do.
But I will never respect anyone who knowingly participates in a genocidal campaign.
That's why I respect Imperial German soldiers and Third Reich grunts, but not Nazi insiders or officers.
Oddly enough, most Nazi officers hated what they were doing, but knew they would face the firing squad if they even stepped out of line just once. I understand what you are saying. I am not trying to make you change your mind on liking them or not liking them, but just take a walk in their shoes for one moment. They were taught to hate. That is what happens in some societies. It is all they end up knowing.
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(I'm kidding)
But I will never respect anyone who knowingly participates in a genocidal campaign.
That's why I respect Imperial German soldiers and Third Reich grunts, but not Nazi insiders or officers.
If they knowingly go along with it, it'd take all the excuses in the world to barely pardon them in my eyes.