U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum

A requirement for every N.A. Session is to attend a privately guided tour of the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum. Due to the size of our class we broke it up into 3 sessions. After morning classes, it was my turn. 100 of us were bused into D.C. not knowing how we felt about it. It was a very powerful and solemn event which made an impression on all who attended. Having the tour guide was amazing in itself. His name was Al, his father was imprisoned in a death camp. Although he was liberated from it, he died two months later due to his incarceration. His sisters 6 and 8 years old were both killed by death squads. He was reunited with his Mother after the war for which he was thankful. He has probably told that story a thousand times, but I doubt it ever gets easier. He speaks English, Dutch and German and serves as a translator of documents for the museum. Al was wealth of knowledge, but I believe he would give anything not to know a thing about any of it. This is absolutely a must visit for anyone coming to the area.

We must never forget what happened, so it never happens again.

An entire village murdered

Replica rail car used to transport to the camps

The old woman took the baby (even though it meant death for both), so her mother could live

Replica bunks for those lucky enough to live.

Replica gas chamber

Replica door to the gas chamber and poison gas canisters.

Told they were entering a shower.

Instructed to remove clothes and clean themselves.

Death Chamber.

Crematorium where they were burned after being pulled from the death chamber.

These are actual shoes of the victims from Auschwitz on loan to the museum, among them were many children's shoes.

Bags of human hair that was used as a commodity.

Replica crematorium doors.

The entire place was made to look similar to a prison or camp to add to the experience. You also cannot see any outside landmarks so you don't get distracted from the intense experience.