Fred’s Journey
Trier Germany
March 8, 1945
On my way to Köln on March 8, 1945, I saw over the Moselle River the ancient Roman city of Trier. American soldiers were combing the rock piles that were once buildings and churches. The walls of the gothic Church of Our Lady were standing, but the wooden doors of the entrance were blasted. A sign in English forbade entrance. It had been placed there by Target Force who moved in front of the soldiers to save important artistic works. I entered and contemplated the fallen Crucifix, with the statue of the Holy Mother, prone on the floor, looking towards her prostrate son.
Artist’s Statement
- Peter Eichhorn
From
Having been born and raised in Trier, Germany, it is an honor to be involved in this project and to work with shards from the Liebfrauenkirche.
Armelle sent me the glass shards Fred had collected, his description of what he saw, and two photographs of him in the church, looking at the destruction. I combined the photos to create this image of what Chaplain McDonald witnessed.
It is my hope that this memorial artwork will help us see more clearly what people went through during the war. With understanding and respect for each other, change continues to be possible.
Artist Information
-
Peter Eichhorn
Eichhorn Stained Glass
812 E Broadway
Louisville, KY 40204
(502) 584-2320
Specifications
Number of shards: 43
Dimensions: 36″ × 44 3⁄4″
Medium: painted and stained blown glass
