During WWI the Germans and Austrians raised funds for various war-related causes by "nailing" iron crosses or other patriotic figures. A contributor bought a nail and drove it into the cross or figure. This practice as also adopted to some extent
by German/Austrian expatriates living outside of Germany or Austria in neutral countries; for example, there was an Iron Cross nailing in Boston, Massachusetts, USA prior to the US entry into the war, and there were evidently other such ceremonies in South America. Printed programs were sometimes made up for these ceremonies, which usually included singing patriotic songs, speeches, and a dinner. If anybody has any information regarding this practice I would appreciate hearing about it.
by German/Austrian expatriates living outside of Germany or Austria in neutral countries; for example, there was an Iron Cross nailing in Boston, Massachusetts, USA prior to the US entry into the war, and there were evidently other such ceremonies in South America. Printed programs were sometimes made up for these ceremonies, which usually included singing patriotic songs, speeches, and a dinner. If anybody has any information regarding this practice I would appreciate hearing about it.