MRS Ida Goodrick of Tadcaster is wrong to feel insulted and bitter because Millthorpe School children lay a wreath for German war dead (June 29). She will never forget what happened between 1933-1945 but things have improved enormously since 1946 in Germany.

There always was a difference between National Socialism and Germans - they are not the same thing! My grandfather and father were kept prisoners of war by the Germans but they did not hate all of them, and had the greatest respect for their front-line fighting troops.

Modern Germany is a credit to our world. I regularly go there for holidays and have many German friends, all of whom are so kind, hospitable and considerate, as are most of the population.

Young Germans feel more European than German and they admire the way the British do many things - many of them still feel ashamed of their country and cannot be proud to be German. This is very sad.

Germany flew the flag for Europe at the Football World Cup and if Mrs Goodrick were to visit Germany, she might change her mind and realise why so many of us have fully accepted reconciliation and see Germany as one of the best friends Britain could have.

We buy millions of top brand Germany made products, so why not love the people who assembled and designed them?

David Quarrie,

Lynden Way, York.

...AS a German, I wish to thank the headmaster of Millthorpe School for the initiative he and his pupils have taken. Equally I am grateful for the support he has received from many of your readers.

Dr HW Koch,

Senior lecturer in history (retired),

Manor Park Close,

Shipton Road, York.

Updated: 10:37 Thursday, July 04, 2002