The Greatest German - tribute to Adolf Hitler on the 130th anniversary of his birth

An animated Adolf Hitler speaks at a political rally—date unknown but probably around the late 1920's. Click to enlarge. National Archives and Records Administration

By Carolyn Yeager

JUST IN TIME FOR ADOLF HITLER'S BIRTHDAY ON APRIL 20th, I came across some new images of him that I like very much. They're said to have been taken by Heinrich Hoffmann, Hitler's friend and personal photographer, and have just recently been discovered, or recovered.

So here they are, with my best wishes for one and all to thankfully remember our great friend and leader for the inspiration he was and continues to be.

I was born into a world that Adolf Hitler was powerfully influencing, in June 1941. That may be why images of that time and place, and his presence in it, brings to me such a thrilling sense of well-being— where life was “as it should be,” and my spirit feels at home. Adolf Hitler is incredibly reassuring to me—and I especially like seeing him among his own element, where he was relaxed, appreciated, and even dearly loved.

Adolf Hitler surrounded by members of his leadership. Joseph Goebbels, his chief propaganda minister, is on Hitler’s right. Rudolf Hess stands in the top row on the far right. Seated in the chair on the far right is Heinrich Himmler. National Archives and Records Administration

The article from the Washington Post tells us that after the war, Hoffmann's negatives were confiscated by the U.S. Army and went to the National Archives in 1962. Many are pictures, portraits and scenes at political rallies while Hitler campaigned for election; the halls were hung with National Socialist banners, one of which was “Germany Shall Live.” Almost always, the venues are full, often standing-room-only. The German people were hungry for a positive view of their nation and themselves and only Adolf Hitler provided that. He delivered it with a passion that no other politician could match.

Adolph Hitler, seated at right, meeting with Hitler Youth members in a café. It was never hard to to set up photos like this of young people excited about the candidate. National Archives and Records Administration

Adolf Hitler examines the 1930 Gavrilo Princip (bloodstained?) plaque removed from Sarajevo by German troops and presented to him on his 52nd birthday on April 20, 1941, aboard his special command and control train, Sonderzug Amerika, in Monichkirchen. For me, this is the quintessential Hitler, in his typical arms-folded pose while intelligently considering, in their presence, the gift his troops have brought him. Collection Heinrich Hoffmann

Never forget. The Fuehrer lives! Long live the Fuehrer!