Friday, April 16, 2010
Day 5 - "Atrocity and History"
Today was a day that we were able to look at both sides of the coin when it comes to history. Throughout our nation's history, there have been glorious moments when the United States has fought vigilantly and overcome triumphantly. There have been other times when our nation has taken foolish paths, not responded properly to events in history, and has not upheld its dedication to the idea that "all men are created equal." One of the worst atrocities in the history of the world was the slaughter of 5 million or more Jews in the Holocaust. This morning, we got to visit the National Holocaust Museum for ourselves. There are many words I can say to describe this place, but I am at a loss of words to describe what insane crimes against humanity you see in there. Hitler is a very interesting man because he didn't rise through power by a military coup or obvious force. Instead, he used trickery and the passions of the German people to get appointed Chancellor and later Fuhrer. What Hilter's Germany did to the Jewish people in concentration camps just chills me, but it was really bad when I saw a model of a crematory and pictures of the results of Nazi medical "experiments." It absolutely revolted me, and I can only describe it as sick and wrong. On the other hand, today we also got to visit the National Archives and see one of the greatest triumphs in world history. Before my very eyes were the documents that forever changed our nation - the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution of the United States of America, and the Bill of Rights. Though faded and hard to read, the idea of history coming to life appeared in my mind as I was looking at the very handwriting of Thomas Jefferson and the founding fathers. It was one of my favorite moments on the trip, and I feel privileged to have been able to see it. Today we also visited the ESPN Zone (which is not nearly as great as it sounds), got to see Ford's Theater and the house where Lincoln died, and visited the old Washington, D.C. post office. Tomorrow, we will spend some time in D.C. and then finally head home. It has been a great trip, but it is time to come home. I'm not sure if I'll be able to get in a blog entry for tomorrow but thanks to those who have been following!
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The Holocaust museum certainly left an impact on you - that is one moment in history that I've read a great deal about and that fascinates me, but I, too, can't understand how people could have been so atrocious. Thanks for the blogging, Jordan! It's been a great "trip" for your followers as well.!
ReplyDeleteJordan: I finally found some time to view the blogging that you have done all week. THANK YOU for your most wonderful work. You made me feel like I was sitting right there with you and experiencing every thing that you were doing. You have painted a very true and realistic picture of what can take place in Washington DC. Congrats and hope that you enjoyed the trip. It was a pleasure to have you along on the trip! :)
ReplyDeleteJordon,
ReplyDeleteOur Close-Up advisor told me about your blog and how well it was written. The descriptions of the moments that shaped our history and the monuments that were built to echo them reminded me that the United States is still a country of hope. Thank you for the inspiring perspective. May God bless all your journeys.
Elizabeth O.