The 72nd Anniversary
Start writing a post
Politics

The 72nd Anniversary

72 years after the liberation of concentration camps in Europe, but what has history really taught us?

57
The 72nd Anniversary

I am inspired by the horrifically fascinating accounts of the survivors of the Holocaust.

As we approach the 72nd Anniversary of these tragic events, though not a milestone anniversary, it is still important to keep in mind certain things about history as we approach the new year.

In America, the first thing we learn about WWII, the first things we learn about Hitler's murderous and blood-thirsty regime, the devastating genocide, and the mass mourning that covered the world in a sheet of desolation is that, quite ironically, "It was bad". The simplicity of that statement can quite possibly represent the minute amount of knowledge the world has on the complexity of Hitler's plot of world domination, according to his belief of "natural" selection. However, America mostly focuses on the last remaining survivors of the Holocaust that live in the USA; not other countries. The only issue with this is that many of the most inviting and influential stories come from people living all around the world.

Books and movies such as The Diary of Anne Frank, Man's Search for Meaning,Schindler's List (book and film), Night, Sarah's Key, The Boy in the Striped Pajamas (book and film), The Book Thief (book and film), and my personal favorite, Hana'sSuitcase,* all tell stories of survivors and victims from other countries. Poland, France, Czechoslovakia, Amsterdam, Germany.

I believe that what we learn from these stories is good. Not for the “Social Darwinism” type effect that they have on the world, and not the promotion of murderous maniacal behavior, but for the purpose of understanding history. People think that history repeats itself, and there isn't anything you can do about it. Yet, I know that people can understand history and by doing so, can inhibit an instant replay that no one wants to watch. Instead, I believe that such heinous acts of hate encourage us to love, encourage us to bring about peace. These elicit the compassion that is undistinguished in each of us. Not only this, but they allow us to remember, maybe one year, maybe two years, maybe 70 years after the fact, that every person is valuable. Especially, that each devastating atrocity that couldpossibly happen candefinitely be prevented, with the knowledge of the past.

*There are many other Holocaust books a good site to find a list of these is the following: http://www.goodreads.com/shelf/show/holocaust

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

59244
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

38301
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

959749
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

197157
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments