Post written by Zach Brouckman
On our second day in Prague many of us, including myself, had what would likely be the toughest day of our entire trip. We visited Lidice, where the Lidice massacre occurred, and the Terezín concentration camp. We woke up early in the morning and took buses with another group from USAC study abroad to Lidice. There, we learned about the tragic events that took place in June 1942. Walking through the museums, memorials, and the remaining fragments of the town was a deeply moving experience. Hearing the stories of survivors and reflecting on the lives lost was important to witness but also was emotionally challenging.
After spending a significant amount of time in Lidice, we got back on the bus, had lunch, and went to Terezín. We started by exploring the living quarters, which now house a museum showcasing various artworks from Terezín. It was fascinating to see all of the different art, music and forms of theater, and how the Nazis used these artworks as propaganda to deceive the Red Cross. We then watched small recovered parts of films produced by the Nazis, which aimed to try to hide the atrocities being committed in Terezín.
Our last stop was the Terezín "Little Fortress", which was particularly difficult for me to walk through. On the way to the fortress, we encountered a beautiful memorial cemetery, which emphasized the vast number of lives lost there. Inside, we witnessed the dreadful living conditions and some of the torture rooms and devices used. It was an intense and emotional journey that will stay with me forever. I am grateful to have had my peers experience this by my side, as their presence provided some comfort during such an intense experience that I couldn't have faced alone.
Here are some links to more information regarding Lidice and Terezín:
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