2017 Eastern Europe
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Some pre-trip thoughts

4/8/2017

25 Comments

 

I'm writing three days from our departure for Berlin and thinking about what you are all about to experience.  

This is the 16th time I've led this trip and I have to confess: it never gets old.  A student came in the other day and asked me which part of the trip I'm most looking forward to.  After reflecting on the fact  that no one had ever asked me that question, I replied that what I always look forward to is the reactions of students to what they are seeing.  Their observations are consistently varied and always thoughtful.  Given what's going on in the United States this year -- and in the bigger, broader world as well --I expect that this year the responses will be even more complex.

I'm always impressed with the willingness of students to give up what would otherwise be an April vacation and go to--let's face it--the remains of Nazi-controlled Europe, the remnants of the Cold War, and a complicated 21st century Central and Eastern Europe.   These places--at least during those moments in history--are not exactly happy places.  Now, at least as of this writing, Europe is in a significant period of transition (and we will see how this all turns out after all the election activity concludes) but it makes looking squarely at this history all the more timely.  

After all, we are visiting sites of some of the most horrific acts mankind has committed.  Auschwitz, as I said at the parent-student meeting, is the largest known cemetery in the world (with virtually all of its graves unmarked).  How do we understand what mankind is capable of?  And how do we try to prevent this sort of stuff from ever happening again?   Holocaust survivor Elie Wiesel said, "Never again."  Yet, as we know from Rwanda, Bosnia, Kosovo, Cambodia, Darfur, the Congo, and most recently Syria, it does happen: again and again and again and again..  

So what can we do about it?  

That's our task while we are visiting some of most fascinating places in the world.  We have to do the work to peel the onion and try to discover what Germany, Poland, and the Czech Republic were in 1933, 1939, 1942, 1945, 1950, 1961, 1989, and now.   Then we have to collapse all those years  and understand what we learn from them.  

​To quote from the distinguished Boston Latin School alumnus, George Santayana '1878; "Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it."   

I'm looking forward to remembering--and reflecting on that history--with all of you beginning this Tuesday.  

​--Ms. Freeman
25 Comments
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4/8/2017 01:49:52 pm

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Peter Kelly - BLSA
4/9/2017 05:28:15 am

I very much look forward to learning through your and your students eyes, Ms. Freeman. Safe travels to all!

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Mary McCarthy
4/9/2017 07:01:48 am

What an incredible trip you are all about to undertake. I can not wait to read your thoughts and insights as the trip progresses. Safe travels!

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Delilah Villafane
4/9/2017 12:58:00 pm

We will be waiting in anticipation to learn about all of your experiences and the knowledge you will gain from this trip-

Wishing you all a safe and healthy journey!

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Jan Wilk
4/9/2017 04:45:17 pm

Have a wonderful trip, be safe
Jan & Dan Wilk

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Jen Doyle
4/10/2017 09:52:11 am

I am so impressed by this group of students and of what they have chosen to experience by going on this trip. Looking forward to reading all about it.

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Nigel Shaw
4/10/2017 11:41:05 am

Whew!

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Amy Hitchcock
4/10/2017 11:59:34 am

What an incredible experience for our children. Thank you Ms. Freeman for leading the way. Amy and Glen

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Rory McCain
4/10/2017 12:43:08 pm

Excited to see what the kids write about this fascinating trip and what their takeaways are once they return home.

Safe travels to all!

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Fatima Litim
4/10/2017 07:39:26 pm

This is going to be an experience of a lifetime and something every one of us should feel excited about for this group of talented students. I can't wait to go on this ride with you!

Safe travels,
Fatima

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Claudette L'Huillier
4/11/2017 08:13:06 am

Looking forward to sharing your experiences through this blog. All the best for safe and enjoyable travels!

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Melanie Jordan
4/11/2017 02:36:54 pm

Yes, a life-changing and unforgettable adventure awaits you all. Make the most of it! Take good care and be safe.

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Deb Putnam
4/11/2017 06:11:50 pm

Thank you, Ms. Freeman for mailing this possible for these students. Learning from the past while being in the present is such a gift.

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Jennifer McHugh
4/12/2017 02:56:18 am

So excited for your journey to begin and can't wait to read about it.

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Angela Alvarez Bernadeau
4/12/2017 05:09:03 am

To travel ✈️with a purpose is so exciting and educational. Be safe and take it all in. I cannot wait to read the daily blogs 😊❤️☮ and Kayleigh I miss you so much and 🐶🐱 too.

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Pierre bernadeau
4/12/2017 07:43:11 am

What an incredible Experience for our children.thank you Ms.Freeman

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Maddie Kilgannon
4/12/2017 08:20:44 am

I keep refreshing the page hoping for a post. I know the students must all be exhausted, but I can't wait to hear their thoughts on the Wansee Villa.

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Lolli Fleming
4/12/2017 12:24:02 pm

So happy to hear that the group has arrived and is beginning their journey. We're excited to learn along with you. Safe travels.

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Kristina Carroll
4/12/2017 04:20:48 pm

I was on the 2012 Eastern Europe trip and my sister went in 2015, and we still talk about all of the amazing memories we have of it to this day. The bonds you'll make with your classmates are really incredible, and Ms. Freeman is literally one of a kind (which you all already know). Can't wait to live vicariously through you guys this week!

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Carolyn Sullivan
4/13/2017 04:30:22 am

Thank you Ms. Freeman for providing such a powerful experience our children will never forget!

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Deirbhile Martin
4/13/2017 03:35:31 pm

Hi Ms. Freeman! Looking forward to reading about this year's trip and reminiscing on my own (2013). I remember you saying how older students still reach out and say how much this trip meant to them and how it changed their perspective on the world - and I'm happy to say that now I'm one of them. Have an amazing trip!!

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Susan Horn
4/14/2017 02:52:22 pm

Thank you for sharing your day. This is an incredible experience.

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Angeles Alvarez
4/15/2017 07:30:26 am

Wow, what an experience for you all! your words in expressing all create somewhat of a neuro virtual tour for those of us who have never been and great anticipation to visit. Enjoy and feel every moment of your time there for your everlasting memories. Love and miss u Kayleigh, cannot wait to hear more!!

Auntie Angeles

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Marta Bergamaschi link
4/15/2017 09:35:45 am

Dear Cole, Jaileen, Kayleigh, Jessica, Aidan, Elena, Marina, Isabelle, Laila, Alex, Ellie and all students and Mrs. Freeman,

Thank you for sharing your feelings and your impressions. This captivating blog keeps us so close to your deep discoveries and gives us a concrete glimpse of your transforming experience. We are all experiencing your goose bumps ( to say the least).

By being there, you are touching first hand with your heart, spirit and mind the extreme inhuman suffering of millions of Jews.
I trust that you will be able to turn this awareness in GOOD DEEDS in the years to come. We need this from you: our next generation, our hope.

My Easter prayers with all the suffering occurring right now in all the dictatorships around the world from Syria to North Korea to Sudan and many more places we don't necessarily are aware of.
Looking forward to keep receiving your stories.Thank you

Marta Bergamaschi

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Susan M. Horn
4/16/2017 04:37:50 pm

I look forward to reading your blogs each day. Each of the writers thus far have done an incredible job transporting the reader to your experience. I read your experiences often with tears in my eyes. Thank you for putting so much thought and effort into your writings! I look forward to reading the rest of your trip.

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    This blog is a collective effort by all of the students on the 2017 Boston Latin Facing History trip to Eastern Europe.  

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