These were human beings. These were people who had families, worked, made their community’s life a better place. A mentality, no, a culture destroyed what they had because they corrupted the minds of others to believe that this segment of society was evil.
This was the 1930s. This is the reality that I faced today at the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum. Now, I knew of this reality, let me phrase it better, this tragedy well before I visited the museum today. Today was different because I had a deeper background of the culture that perpetrated the acts. I understand where the methodologies of the Holocaust began. We need to know that our society laid a blue print for the Holocaust to happen.
This perspective is what I used to view the museum today. I needed to see the history as an extension of what we did. We cannot let this happen again! We have a responsibility to act.
I was moved by the names that are listed in a walkway. I saw my name, Adam, listed. I have no idea how many Adams were killed, but I do know that I cannot sit by and let another Adam be taken simply because someone claims that they are different.
Our Church has a responsibility to protect all persons. We need to learn what they knew so we can learn to prevent these atrocities from happening again!
We also live in a strong democracy. We live in a society where we are free. Today reminded me that we may not always be free. As was stated at the memorial, democracy is fragile. We feel that we have so much, but if we are not careful, it could all be taken away.
Today was a powerful day. Today I was able to see more about why the Holocaust happened. I was able to see what actions were missed that could’ve reduced the loss of life. Now, what can we do to make sure it doesn’t happen again? What does today hold for us? Let us be the witnesses and the light!
Cottos Corner for Education 