Again Bill, Germans are very aware of how they were perceived after WWII.  They vowed never again, and so they make sure every school child learns the history of how it came about, and everyone remembers.  They don't want Jewish citizens reminded of their oppression.  There are elderly German-American citizens who remember, as well.   It is incredible to them, as to me, why anyone wants a physical representation of such a dark, divisive period as the fight to retain slavery.