In my last few hours in Lithuania, I set out to the KGB Museum/Museum of Occupations and Freedom Fighters. It was, like the Ninth Fort in Kaunas, very sobering. Exhibits covered the occupation by Nazis as well as the Russians on both sides of World War 2. It covered the relocations, exiles, labour camps and related conditions, killings and deaths as well as a brief exhibit on the fate of Jews. And then the entire lower level was devoted to the KGB operations in Lithuania, its prison and the execution chamber.
I think this wall of artwork by mostly 11 and 12 year olds on the outside of the museum summarizes it best. Zoom in on a few and just take it all in. What an incredible story of a resilient people who have endured much to once again re-establish a democracy. A reminder to us all.
No comments:
Post a Comment