This post, and really this entire blog, is dedicated to my grandfather, for multiple reasons.  First, because I was lucky enough to hear about WWII from him, a veteran that saw the reality of the war first hand.  And not only as a veteran, but as an American growing up in that era.  It is a generation that has mostly died, and I’m so grateful to have gotten a slice of that life from him.  Second, my grandfather enabled me to think that seeing the world was a real option, to see this kind of history in person, and enabled me to do so.  Not everyone grows up with that privilege, and seeing that map on his wall with all those pins of the dozens of countries he had visited instilled in me the belief that I could and would do the same.  It was a passion that he never dreamed to give up, and has gifted to me (along with all the dogs we’re going to save together grandpa!) Thank you grandpa for this amazing opportunity, in more ways than one.  I love you.

On to Dachau.  No words describe the feelings that come over you when you see this place.  I’ve seen countless specials on TV and read numerous stories, but to see and feel that place in the world is something else.

After driving through the town of Dachau, we made our way to the Dachau Concentration Camp Memorial.  What first struck us is how it is right next to the town, near houses and normal life.  It is astounding to think this occurred so close to “normal” life. Inside it was posted that the US troops made the residents of Dachau walk through the camp to witness what had been happening there, for good reason. I’ll let the pictures speak for themselves.

Never forget.