Europe: Greatness: Possible & Necessary

Amid the pride of history and the fading thunder of memories, Europe's two grand old men are meeting in France this week. The occasion is heartening proof that Europe's ancient, fratricidal hate between France and Germany has abated.

When Konrad Adenauer places the traditional wreath at the Arc de Triomphe, the occasion rises above ceremonial cliche because the one thing known about France's Unknown Soldier is that he died fighting Germany. When, after jointly reviewing French and German troops, Adenauer and Charles de Gaulle attend Mass at Reims Cathedral, everyone must recall that it was once shelled by German guns.

But the...

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