When I visited the Verano cemetery in Rome for last week's @fiveplustwo theme I stumbled into this wall. It was overwhelming. There are listed the names and family names of the 2,728 Romans who died in the Nazi lagers. Only 2,728 - and the Holocaust was of millions...
I should have posted it on 27 January - after all it was taken then. But everyday is a day to remember that horror. Because those who don't remember the past are condemned to repeat it.
Perfect in B&W, brings to the surface the dark dark memories which must never be forgotten so that the horrendous actions never ever be repeated let along contemplated. The PoV is very powerful!
@space319 thank you very much! @joysabin thanks a lot, Joy! @shannejw thank you very much! @seattlite Thanks a lot! @louannwarren thank you kindly, Lou Ann: actually it is not mine, it’s a quote of philosopher G. Santayana.
The number of names is irrelevant IMO, what is relevant is that they were remembered in a way that later generations can see and touch. You've absolutely correct in saying that those who forget history are condemned to relive it. I fear that there are all too many powerful men out there in charge of armies who have no memories at all, let alone common-sense.
@casablanca Good find. I did not know the poem... Hopefully we should listen! Thanks a lot. @fbailey The installation is, indeed! @vignouse I hear you. They move me deeply. @leonbuys83 Yes. And, it seems that many, around the world, don't even know there was a WWII... @s4sayer Thank you, Margo. Not mine (I would be much wiser than I am), but philosopher George Santayana's... @pistache Thank you very much! @overalvandaan Thank you so much! @golftragic It is, completely agreed! The only reason I stressed it is that this wall seems infinite, while it is almost irrelevant to the overall numbers of the Holocaust. Yet, no life is irrelevant, it can't be. @stray_shooter Thank you very much!
@domenicododaro Absolute right Domenico, sorry if I sounded critical. Not what I meant at all, my apologies. We're definitely on the same page. As for the history bit, as a retired professional (economic and social) historian I often despair at the blindness and short-term thinking (?) of our political so-called leaders. The world is currently in a very dangerous phase IMO.
@golftragic It is a worldwide tragedy. Recently, one of our self proclaimed politicians declared something like "who said that to command you have to be learned, to have knowledge. In democracy also the ignorant has the right to govern the Country. We all see the results.
And, I didn't feel criticized, no worries.
Such an interesting discussion. And great photo. I did Not know about that wall. It reminds me somehow of the black wall in Washington with the names of the Soldiers Who died in Vietnam. The folly of war. Regarding the ignorant politicians that now govern Italy the tragedy is that they are Not self Proclaimed, they were out in that position by the people. But this is a discussion that goes beyond the purpose of this blog. Perhaps we’ll be able to continue it next month
Impressive. Impossible not to be overwhelmed. As for your concern about your country, you are right. The same throughout Europe.. we are all concerned. What goes round comes round, is the awful thought that comes to mind.
@yrhenwr It's an awful thought. I often mention the philosopher George Santayana, and specifically his sentence that was found written on a wall in Jonestown, Guyana, where the mass suicide organized by "rev."Jim Jones took place on 18 November, 1978: "those who don't remember the past are condemned to repeat it"
February 28th, 2019
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@joysabin thanks a lot, Joy!
@shannejw thank you very much!
@seattlite Thanks a lot!
@louannwarren thank you kindly, Lou Ann: actually it is not mine, it’s a quote of philosopher G. Santayana.
History repeats itself
Has to.
No-one listens.
Very poignant memorial and I like your low pov
@fbailey The installation is, indeed!
@vignouse I hear you. They move me deeply.
@leonbuys83 Yes. And, it seems that many, around the world, don't even know there was a WWII...
@s4sayer Thank you, Margo. Not mine (I would be much wiser than I am), but philosopher George Santayana's...
@pistache Thank you very much!
@overalvandaan Thank you so much!
@golftragic It is, completely agreed! The only reason I stressed it is that this wall seems infinite, while it is almost irrelevant to the overall numbers of the Holocaust. Yet, no life is irrelevant, it can't be.
@stray_shooter Thank you very much!
And, I didn't feel criticized, no worries.