We visited Dachau, the first concentration camp established by the Nazis in 1933. Rather than being an extermination camp, where the main goal was to kill as many people as possible, it was more so designed to house political prisoners. These prisoners ranged from Catholic priests (because they started to realize what the Nazis were doing) to political opponents of Hitler. During its time, Dachau witnessed the deaths of more than 40,000 people.

It was hard to stand on those grounds and think that less than a hundred years prior, thousands of people were on these same grounds, but in very different conditions than what we are in. The air felt heavy with the weight of history, and it was impossible not to feel a deep sense of sorrow and respect for those who suffered there.

Our tour guide did a fantastic job explaining the history and significance of the camp. They provided a detailed and sensitive account of what life was like for the prisoners and the various atrocities committed. At the very end of the tour, our guide emphasized the importance of staying informed about current events. They stressed that it’s up to us to ensure that history doesn’t repeat itself. By being aware and educated about what’s happening in the world today, we can take steps to prevent such atrocities from occurring again at the same level. Unfortunately, mass genocides still occur in various parts of the world, and it is our responsibility to stay informed and take action.

The worst part was knowing that despite the camp being liberated in 1945, the horrors experienced there are still within living memory. Seeing the pictures and hearing the stories serve as a stark reminder of the cruelty humans are capable of and the importance of remembering these events so they are never repeated.