Vienna, Austria: Memorial for the Victims of Nazi Military Justice

This is another stop that becomes much more interesting when background information is provided.

Many Germans and Austrians opted to desert rather than fight for the Nazis in World War II. When they were captured, their odds of survival were slim. About 15,000 men were executed - about 10 percent of which were Austrian. In contrast, 18 German deserters were killed in World War I.

The idea of a tribute first came up in 1988, but it took some time for it to come to fruition. There is a poem on top of the steps that consists of only two words. The translation is "all alone."

The structure is next to the Chancellor's Office in Vienna.

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