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Published: March 10th 2010
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DACHAU Day 39
After spending yesterday enjoying the greatness that the human mind can create I endeavored to the darker side today. Today I made my way to the small town of Dachau, only 20 minute train ride from Munich. I had previously never heard of Dachau before arriving in Munich and upon learning of it I decided that it was important to go. Dachau is the home of the very first concentration camp. It was the only camp open for the full reign of Hitler; it acted as the training centre (brainwashing centre) for SS Troops; and was the blueprint for how to run all other concentration camps.
Much of the camp remains today but it now acts as a memorial site and information centre. The prisoners who had survived Dachau, the most feared concentration camp, worked very hard to ensure that their suffering would never be forgotten or repeated by having the camp turned into the memorial and information centre it is today. I know many people are uncertain about visiting such places as this. I recognize that extreme horrors took place on the site but I feel it is my responsibility as a person to
learn about what happened there for the sake of the people that actually had to suffer through it. I personally can not turn my back and say I know it existed and that is enough. I view it as the closest thing to a cemetery, where I can go and pay my respects to those who were there. And having been there I am glad that I went.
The goal of memorial and information has been greatly accomplished. There are many sign posts on the grounds that tell you what was there or what had happened at a particular site. They have done there best to give a real image of what people had gone through from start to finish at the camp. It is very sobering but not so much in your face that it turns into a gruesome nightmare. There is not an overwhelming amount of disfiguring photographs but a few to get the point across. Most of the information is done verbally or written rather pictorial as I am sure we have all seen many of those gruesome photos already. There is also attention paid to the ‘how’ of Dachau, covering the political run up to
Hitler taking power and the mental place that German people were in when the camp began. It by no means excuses the locals, or any person in the world at that time, allowing this to go own but clarifies how Hitler could have planted the seeds that made it possible to begin.
At the site there are 4 churches now set up along with mass grave sites for the ashes of those that did not survive. Although Dachau was not set up as an extermination site, it sent those that could no longer work on to Auschwitz, many people did die from overwork, starvation, murder, and the rampant typhoid that hit the camp in the last few years.
Overall, the information provided makes me wonder how we can hate each other so much that we could do the things that were done to people. It is hard to imagine that anyone could be ‘brainwashed’ into doing what the SS did. But if it is in us to survive and build bonds like the many imprisoned did, I guess it is also possible the evil. As I know we all know some of the horrors that took place during
that time I would rather like to share the stories of survival.
As there were many bunkers the main walk way through the centre of camp became called “the spirit of the camp road” because it was where everyone was allowed to meet for a few hours each day and share stories that kept them going from day to day. Throughout the day singing was forced upon the prisoners but they turned it into a chance to share their cultures with one and other. They would have Christmas concerts and each country would sing its holiday songs in turn. They would share food with those starving at the cost of their own health. There were many lovely human stories that showed the love we share for another rather than the hatred that seemed overbearing during that time.
The resounding message from the memorial was that it should never be allowed to happen again. I can only hope that that sentiment could truly be accepted by everyone on all levels. Unfortunately, that happening may be as crazy as Ludwig’s magic castle.
SIDE NOTE:
Have I mentioned that being out of the country makes you feel slightly more
patriotic? Well it does and it made me feel compelled to watch Team Canada vs. US in the final Olympic game. I know everyone who knows me will be shocked and confused at the fact that I voluntarily watched an Olympic event led alone a hockey game. But I actually really wanted to see the game and ensure that Canada one. I literally couldn’t go to sleep until I saw the final goal (shortly after midnight for central Europe time). Once the goal was made I quickly jumped up and headed to bed and had a peaceful nights rest. Although, I must say if I had enough energy it would have been nice to stay up and watch the closing ceremonies as I was interested in seeing how Van City would decide to represent Canada. So I have now watched a full hockey game for the first time EVER.
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Kathy Kisielowski
non-member comment
I have the opening and closing ceremony
So, when you get home you can borrow the video tape to watch it if you want. I thought the opening ceremonies were well done even though there were some mechanical difficulties toward the end. It was really simple, clean and classy and not as gaudy as I thought it might have been. Oh, there was one Gaudy part....Nelly Furtado's dress.....gooooddaawwwful!, and the chiefs turning up late!!! The closing I have only seen a part of and still need to finish watching the end....there is a part where we are kind of poking fun of the stereo typical idea of "Canada" with large beavers and mounties etc.....kind of cheesy. They also had large table hockey players moving around which was a neat concept...so, that is about the only parts I have seen! Actually lost $5 cause I thought Canada was going to lose, as the US beat them in a previous game 5-3....but I was still hoping for Canada. It was a good ending to an Olympic games...host country wins last event. Apparently 26 million in Canada watched...WOW! Anyway...enjoy the rest of your travels. Wasn't the concentration camp emotionally draining??....I remember very well my visit to the Buchenwald. Loved Fussen, remember my exchange partner Verena???way back in the day??...her Grandmother lived in Fussen so I spent quite a bit of time there...beautiful place!....brought back memories! continue to enjoy!!! Tschuss!