Gordon's Lessons From History on Auschwitz Visit
Gordon and students from Blackpool VI Form College and Arnold School have taken part in an intensive and poignant visit to Auschwitz organised by the Holocaust Educational Trust on October 14th
The day-long visit was a unique opportunity to see what happened at Auschwitz-Birkenau, to pay respect to those who lost their lives, and to explore the universal lessons of the Holocaust. In a six-hour visit with snow flurries and near-zero temperatures the group visited the sites of the camp’s barracks and crematoria, and saw the the registration documents of inmates, heaps of human hair, shoes, clothes and other items taken by the Nazis from the 1.2 million people who died at Auschwitz.. They were then taken the short distance to Birkenau where a memorial and candle-lighting service was held to remember the 6 million Jews, and the Roma, Sinti, gay, disabled, black people, and other victims of the Nazis killed in the Holocaust.
The course includes an orientation and follow-up seminar, to prepare students for the visit and to reflect on their experiences. On their return, students are asked to give a presentation to their peers, based on their experience of visiting Auschwitz and the lessons they have learnt. In this way, as many young people as possible benefit from the Lessons from Auschwitz Project.
On his return Gordon said, “As a historian I know only too well the story and horrors of what must be the most desolate place I have ever seen. But it’s one thing to know its history, quite another to experience it emotionally I cannot underestimate the importance of visiting Auschwitz and learning the Holocaust’s lessons for us today. They need continued communication and understanding for younger generations so that we can continue to fight bigotry and hatred today
I was impressed by how thoughtfully and with dignity our young people from Blackpool and the North West absorbed this experience. They know have the opportunity to communicate its impact to others. I hope that this will ensure that the lessons of the Holocaust are truly learnt, disseminated and acted upon.”
Karen Pollock, Chief Executive of the Holocaust Educational Trust said:
“We are delighted that Gordon Marsden joined us on the visit with students from his/her constituency. The HET’s ‘Lessons from Auschwitz’ Project is such a vital part of our work because it gives students the chance to understand more the dangers and potential effects of prejudice and racism today on a local and national scale.”
