Holocaust Memorial – Des Moines, IA - The Holocaust on Waymarking.com

This brand new Holocaust Memorial was dedicated only a month ago, on October 23, 2013, with Iowa’s Governor Terry Branstad speaking at the ceremony. The memorial was placed on the on the Iowa State Capitol near the Iowa State Historical Building. Its purpose is to honor those who were victims of the Holocaust, World War II servicemen who fought to free those residing in concentration camps, and survivors who settled in Iowa after being released. It was designed to help remind people of the horrors of discrimination and hatred. Several survivors of the Holocaust also spoke at the dedication.

The memorial is constructed of three ribbons of steel upon which many quotes and stories are written. One such remembrance is from one of the survivors who was only a child when he came to Iowa. He tells his story:

“My mother and father brought my brother and me as young children to Iowa in 1949 after President Truman authorized immigration from the displaced persons camps. My parents didn’t speak English. We came by train with a tag that indicated that “Des Moines” was to be our destination. Dad had an 8th grade formal education but was certified by the DP camp in cabinetry, so that he would have a way to make a living. Once in Des Moines, we were assisted, in particular, by the members of the Jewish community who helped us adapt to the customs and culture of Iowa. My parents were very appreciative at having been accepted as Iowans. They were grateful to the U.S. and British troops that saved them. When my parents became U.S. citizens in 1955, citizenship was conferred upon us children as well. Jacob Shnurman, Des Moines – child of survivors.”

Physical Address: Iowa State Capitol Grounds Des Moines, IA USA 50301 Date Dedicated: 10/23/2013 Supporting Website: [Web Link] Fee/Donation: none Memorial Type: Monument/Plaque

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Date Logged Log User Rating   07/26/2016 leymas visited it