March 2001:
Upon entering the museum I instantly felt a great deal of respect for all that I was to seen witness and hear. Soon after beginning the tour I was amazed more and more at the atmosphere that was constructed. Everything around me felt so real. They had many things such as a real Nazi uniform and an actual size boxcar that the prisoners had been taken away in. The museum building itself was very dark, cold, quiet and gloomy. This affect created a strong sense of sadness, abandonment and loss, probably many of the same feelings that were felt by the people of this time.While walking through the exhibits, many times I found myself engulfed in the short testimonials given by those who had survived the Holocaust. Their own personal stories were filled with so much terror and fear that I doubt anyone of this time could even nearly correlate. However, when I did try to put myself in their positions, I immediately became frustrated and angry. The quotes on the walls made me realize how much I have to be thankful for and not to take the smallest bit of anything for granted.
Throughout all my experiences and emotions I have now come to realize why so many feel the importance of preserving the memory of all those who suffered and died. I feel that after witnessing all that I have seen, it is in my duty as well as others to responsibly educate the people of today about the Holocaust that took so many innocent lives.
M.B.