 The route was intended to recall Death marches of concentration camp victims in 1945.Peace March participants were greeted in some of the places through which they passed by mayors and church ministers, with a local ceremony, typically involving prayers followed by the joint planting of a "Peace Tree" (""Friedensbaum"").Along their pilgrim route these protesters carried with them banners carrying peace messages about turning swords into poughshares, and others urging the wider availability of "" as an alternative to the compulsory military service that young Germans were obliged to undertake.