Fritz Todt was the infrastructure minister of the Third Reich. Upon his death on 8 February 1942 a state funeral was celebrated in the presence of all the most important Nazi leaders, including Hitler, of whom he was a great friend. This red ribbon covered the wreath of flowers sent by Reichsleiter Martin Bormann on the occasion of the funeral. The ribbon was kept by the Todt family until 1993 and was then donated to a dear friend of theirs, Ilsebill Todt writes:” We looked for a photo of dad’s funeral but couldn’t find it.I did find a negative though which you are welcome to make a print of. Please bring it back at the next opportunity. I don’t think you can see Bormann’s wreath on the picture.I also can’t remember if the wreath was on the grave or next to it, it was just too long ago.Ingrid doesn’t remember either.In any case, we know that the piece is in best hands with you, one can’t keep everything”
