30th Anniversary Guardians Commemorative Book - Book - Page 200
SECURING THE
MUSEUM
Growing up in
Baltimore, I had no
direct family lost in
the Holocaust. But
20 years ago, I went on the Museum’s
first overseas trip with Miles Lerman
and spent an unbelievable two weeks
visiting the killing sites in Lithuania,
Germany, and Poland. We collected
soil samples from the Warsaw
ghetto and concentration camps
that are now interred forever in the
Museum’s Hall of Remembrance.
Sharing that experience with
the survivors on that trip was a
transforming event in my life. Since
then, my connection to the Museum
has grown only deeper.
The way this institution brings
together Holocaust remembrance
and education literally changes lives.
And, over the years, I have seen the
Museum move to the forefront of
critical issues, becoming a powerful,
truthful force around the world.
Today, the Museum serves as a moral
compass in everything it does.
198 l UNITED STATES HOLOCAUST MEMORIAL MUSEUM LEGACY OF LIGHT GUARDIANS
It stands for human dignity and
respect. Where else do you see those
attributes in a public institution?
Because of its reputation and
influence, it can get things done that
otherwise would not happen.
But despite the Museum’s success
and accomplishments so far, it is our
job to keep it relevant. We will need
to use every tool we can, because it
will become harder and harder to
teach each new generation, especially
when there are no longer survivors.
Survivors built the most unique
institution on our National Mall.
Because of what they endured, they
knew what the world must learn.
This Museum teaches those lessons
every day with incredible impact.
When they were building the
Museum, the construction crews
would tell us they felt they were
doing something sacred. I’ve never
forgotten that. They were honored
to be building this Museum. I am
honored that my legacy will help
ensure its future.”
