"You are my witnesses"

In the long history of the United States, there are few moments in time that render the whole world speechless. Few events and even fewer people have such a profound impact on the course of human history that they demand eternal recognition and constant reconsideration. It just so happens that for our beautiful country, all of these people and events are memorialized here in Washington, DC. The body of John F Kennedy rests peacefully atop a hill in Arlington, looking over the Potomac River and the symbols of freedom and democracy. Abe Lincoln sits in utter silence as he gazes off into the distance -- perched in perfect position for all citizens of the world to admire. Nearby, there is a reflective black wall that measures slightly over 246 feet in length but contains the names of 58,286 brave Americans who lost their lives in Vietnam. All of these breathtaking and inspiring locations are meant to celebrate the lives of our idols and honor the lives of our heroes.

There is one location in this town however that is not meant to celebrate or honor the good deeds accomplished by brave American men and women. The Holocaust Museum has a stated mission of education and story-telling for the sole purpose of ensuring that a tragedy of the same magnitude NEVER happens again. What you experience as a visitor to this museum is beyond powerful -- it is a feeling of complete remorse and sorrow that could very well last a lifetime.

Harry Greenbaum was 12 years old in 1939 when the Germans invaded his hometown in Poland. He was 15 when he was transferred to Auschwitz-Birkenau. He was 17 on April 25, 1945 when he was liberated from his death march by the American army. Harry Greenbaum was 87 years old on Friday, February 13th when he shared his story with eight students from Ohio State in an empty classroom. A survivor of the most horrific human persecution in the history of mankind, Mr. Greenbaum shared with us his powerful story of horror, luck, and triumph. His story only took about 50 minutes to tell but those 50 minutes made you feel like you were right by his side for the entirety of his beautiful life. Words cannot express my gratitude for Mr. Greenbaum and my admiration for his courage -- not only for being alive but for his willingness to share his remarkable story.

After hearing from Mr. Greenbaum, the museum experience became instantly enhanced. Everything on display from family photos to maps -- from clothes to replica Auschwitz barracks -- everything now had a face. Harry made the museum personal. You could feel his presence throughout and each time you looked into the eyes of a photograph, you felt connected. Words that Harry said appeared in descriptions and places he had been were highlighted on the maps. Everything we had just heard during his talk re-appeared in some form throughout the museum. The powerful photos and breathtaking displays are remarkable in their own right; but being able to put a face and a name to those exhibits made the experience even more special.

The Holocaust Museum serves as a reminder of the pure evil man is capable of performing and as a lesson in speaking out. Tell your story, no matter how short. People learn from the experiences of those who come before them and those stories allow for education and growth. This museum is here so that people tell their story. It exists so Harry Greenbaum can share with the world the story of a young Jewish boy from a small town in Poland who survived the Holocaust. It exists so that visitors can write and speak about their experience, ensuring that future generations never forget the atrocities committed by a group of despicable people and ensuring that future generations have the courage to speak out and speak up.

ONLY GUARD YOURSELF AND GUARD YOUR SOUL CAREFULLY, LEST YOU FORGET THE THINGS YOUR EYES SAW, AND LEST THESE THINGS DEPART YOUR HEART ALL THE DAYS OF YOUR LIFE. AND YOU SHALL MAKE THEM KNOWN TO YOUR CHILDREN, AND TO YOUR CHILDREN'S CHILDREN

                                                                          Deuteronomy 4:9

Matt Shomo