Saturday, October 6

Dachau

Dachau Memorial was established on the grounds of the former concentration camp in 1965 on the initiative of the plans of the surviving prisoners who had joined together to form the Comite International de Dachau. The Bavarian state government provided financial support.   This camp was set up in March of 1933 for political prisoners.  It served as a model for all later concentration camps and as a "school of violence" for the SS men under whose command it stood.  In the 12 years of its existence over 200,000 persons from all over Europe were imprisoned here and in the numerous subsidiary camps.  More then 41,500 of them died.  On April 29, 1945, American troops liberated the survivors.

It was a very moving and sad morning.  The exhibit was extensive and excellent.  It should never be forgotten.  We saw groups of high schoolers and it's my understanding that a visit to a concentration camp is required of students.  No photos......