Most of you know me as Deutschland.

Germany.

I already know that with that name, you assume many things.

Regardless of when you were born, you will remember stories that others have told you.

That is, if you care at all for history.

You will most likely fear me, knowing what I am and what I once was.

Most of you will never believe me when I tell you that I had no control over what happened.

I will admit that I was foolish for wanting so much.

I just wanted to be strong.

I wanted to fight.

Einigkeit, und Recht, und Freiheit.

I stood for everything I believed in, regardless of what I did.

You will never believe me if I try to balance the pain.

I lost many things, as well.

Dignity, my unity, reputation changed entirely.

Most of all, they took me from my brother.

He lived a more unfortunate life than I during that time.

That broke my heart; the thing I thought I'd lost the time the Führer had controlled me.

I've been left with scars, though I do well to forget the pain.

Though I am unable to hold myself with pride; the others will shoot me down.

I am told countless times my own story.

How I fell, surrendered, lost everything.

Aus der Traum was what they painted among our streets.

"The dream is over."

My own army.

You do not even know… you could not even begin to imagine how much that pains me.

The concept of my pride and morality leaves me divided.

I wanted everyone to know how great it was to be German.

We were hardworking, strong, persistent, adamant…

Now I'm even ashamed of myself.

And yet, I'll most likely never tell you everything.

I'd much rather live in denial.

Even though I still remember so much.

How I was abandoned, how hard I had to fight, how much I tried to survive.

I am lucky to see today after how much the world has hated me.

So many years and yet no one has forgotten.

Everywhere I turn, the truth is written.

I want to tell you all it wasn't my fault.

But you most likely won't think any different of me.

I hold out my hand to you, yes, handshakes are the most I can offer to a stranger.

"Guten Tag, mein Name ist Deutschland, oder, 'Ludwig.'"

I remain one of the foulest memories in history.

Oh, but you probably already knew that.

I can tell you knew by the way you're looking at me.