This post will have no pictures.
Today, we have visited a town that on June 10, 1944 and was completely destroyed by Nazis. The Germans entered the town, and at the same time blocked all entries and exits. They rounded up all towns people by saying they wanted everyone to register. Because they felt they had nothing to hide, they did what they were told. After being rounded up together, the men were separated from the women and children. Quick kisses were all they were allowed, and because they thought they would be re-united, it was enough. What happened next was atrocious. Men were divided and taken to various locations throughout the town, and were executed by soldiers. The women, children, and babies were taken to the church where they were ushered inside. Troops threw in smoke bombs which caused panic and hysteria, and then they entered and started shooting, to maim, injure, and kill. Next came the wood and oil, and a fire was lit to burn whomever had survived the shooting, and to make sure that no remains could be identified.
The museum presented us with events leading up to this, the town made it real.
Sadness and shock is all I can describe our feelings as we walked by plaque after plaque showing where men had been taken and executed. It was only topped when we saw the church at the end of the road. Rick removed his hat, we entered, and tried to pay homage to these women, and imagine how fearful they must have been for themselves and their children. As a Mom and a Nana, I can try to place myself in their position. How helpless these women must have felt to defend their precious children and grandchildren. We spend some time walking around the church looking at every bullet hole we can, knowing that for every bullet that hit the wall there was another that hit somebody standing. We take time at the alter, then look at the floor we are walking on, picturing these brave women and children who fell to it and lost their lives.
As we enter the cemetery, I’m not even sure that I can describe what we feel. Every crypt is a family crypt, sometimes 10 family members are named on it. Can you even imagine, a whole family gone in an instant? Can you imagine watching your daughter and her children killed in front of you? A woman who escaped, witnessed just that.
It reminds Rick and I of how precious our lives are, and how thankful we are for the family that we have created. Nothing else matters to us more than our children and grandchildren. Our kids mean the world to us. We leave, grateful that our family is together and safe for another day.
Clearly Carla 