Saarbrücken's thank you book: A contemporary-historical jewel returns!

Saarbrücken's thank you book: A contemporary-historical jewel returns!

On April 10, 2025, the "thank you book", a remarkable document in post-war history, was included in the UNESCO world documents. This book, which was designed by students from the Cecilienschule in Saarbrücken in 1946, serves as a grateful memory for the food aids from Ireland and Switzerland, which were provided during the famine after the Second World War. It is a unique testimony to the living conditions in Saarbrücken, which were then 70 to 80 percent destroyed.

The "thank you book" comprises 88 pages with poems, rhymes and drawings. It is reminiscent of a poetry album and reflects the joy of the children about the food aids organized by the Swiss Association for International Community Service. This aid was crucial for survival in the dark time after the war when many families were confronted with acute food shortages. In their work, the students documented gratitude towards the helpers and the importance of the support received.

return to Saarbrücken

The "thank you book" has been in the Saarbrücken city archive since June 2023 after it had been lost for over 70 years. The path of the book back to Germany began in 2011 when Tony O’Herlihy discovered it in his wife's estate. After contact with the German Embassy in Dublin in 2012, a chain of events was started, which led to the identification of the authors of the drawings. This cooperation between the embassy and the cultural office of the city of Saarbrücken finally led to the handover of the original on June 9, 2023.

The admission of the "thanksgiving" in the international register "Memory of the World" shows the meaning that such personal documents have for collective memory. According to n-tv.de this year became one of a total of 74 documents this year became. This not only recognizes the work itself, but also the stories it tells about survival, solidarity and joy in a time of lack.

virtual exhibition and research

In addition to the entry in the UNESCO list, a dissertation about the "thank you book" was completed, which enables the deeper analysis and research on this document. A virtual exhibition offers interested parties the opportunity to learn more about this valuable testimony in history. Information on this is available on the website for thanks.

Overall, the "thanksbook" not only shows the creative expression of children in a difficult time, but also the universal message of gratitude and hope, which is still relevant today. The work becomes a symbolic link between the past and the present that documents the resilience and community spirit of the Saarbrücken population.