US Holocaust Memorial Museum
I waited in line to get a ticket for a time entry. I got there early (of course) and had a nice chat with a family from Ohio. They were only on their 2nd day. They had two boys 11 and 13. They quizzed me about my museum selections. When I listed them they looked in bewilderment. I told them I liked the not so ordinary ones. It was time for the line to start moving. We got our tickets for the 10am entry. They give out 400 tickets per each hour's entry maximum.
I could tell that this visit was going to be different. Not so many smaller kids. Most of the kids were middle school or older. The way they moved you into the very industrial 'bare' elevators made you feel like being herded into boxcars for a journey. Pretty eerie.
Elevators took you to the 4th floor where you self-guided back to the 1st. Started with how Hitler and the Nazi's came to power in the early 1930's. It was shocking to re-discover how Hitler brainwashed the whole nation to the idea of a white superior German race. And then, when they 'encouraged' the Jews to leave the country, how few countries wanted them in their's, including the U.S.!
I allocated most of the day, as Charlie had suggested, to take my time going through and reading and pausing and reading and pausing. There were many stops for an audience of 30 to view a 6-12 min. film. I took advantage of these stops to watch and contemplate. It's a very emotional and exhausting tour. Images, some you've seen, and many you haven't, are seared into your memory. Here are some pic's :
many pictures of groups getting on the trains
The brochure guide had a quote from Primo Levi, "It happened. Therefore it can happen again. And it can happen everywhere." Genocides continue to happen.
Never forget. I could only last 4 hours. I was drained and limp.
Outside I sat on some concrete and tried to pick myself up. Maybe an Americano would help. It, and time, helped. My trusty bike was ready for a ride. And ride we did. Down to the WWII and Korean memorials.
Ironically, it started drizzling and many tour's visitors were given ponchos ..
District of Columbia War Memorial
On the ride back, I caught views of some interesting Federal buildings.
back side of the Holocaust Museum
Bureau of Engraving & Printing
Herbert Hoover Building - Dept. of Commerce
The weather fit the mood of the day, overcast and drizzly. An Oregon day.
Joe,
ReplyDeleteI haven't been to the Holocaust Museum. Tried to once, but the line was way too long, with a 4-hr wait time. I'm glad you were shaken. It proves you're human, which I know full well. Those who arbitrarily discount the Jewish Holocaust obviously have not been exposed to the horrors.
Your DC trip has been extremely noteworthy. You've seen and learned a lot that most people overlook. Well done! I have enjoyed your blog immensely. Great pics and comments!