I just want to burn and get rid of this stuff

Hello Mike,
I understand your feelings toward these objects, It is natural to
feel repulsed by them as a first reaction.
I can see you are also a man of reason by trying to discover the true
meaning of your reaction and the symbalisim they invoke.
I applaud you!!!
The true way to enlightenment and knowledge is to work
though the emotions and rhetoric you are bombared by to an understanding.
You my friend are indeed on a mission of understanding and
are becoming more and more a man of great wisdom and courage.
You maynot be able to reconcile your feelings and their meanings but please know that these articles were hard won by both sides.
Just as you would not destroy history of the south/north war, let this
be a reminder of where we came from and how it shaped the world.

Please do not destroy them, pass or sell them to the future, so
they may learn and understand.

Carl

Very well said longarm! Mike is truly a unique and intelligent man and good on him for trying to work this out in his head.

Mike, you rock! Like so many have said here, these are are hard won spoils of war and symbolize the triumph over the nazis. They should be sold to responsible collector and proceeds given to the widow.

The reason I feel this way is because I also have some WWII trophies and spoke to my Dad shortly before he passed. I said "Dad, I would never, ever part with these things as they mean and symbolize survival to me and represent the hard work and sacrifice you went through.", he said "Joe, if ever get into a bind, please don't feel bad about selling this stuff. You are far more important to me than any trophies or memories." This is straight from the horses mouth so to speak.

Just food for thought brother. :)