Obama gets emotional about liberation of Nazi camp

[jefferson_dem]

Obama gets emotional about liberation of Nazi camp
Posted: 09:57 AM ET
Ed Henry
CNN Senior White House Correspondent



President Obama spoke emotionally Friday about his great-uncle’s role in liberating the German concentration camp at Buchenwald, noting that for his relative “it was a memory burned in him for quite some time.”

Obama told reporters that as a young boy he learned about the life of his great-uncle, Charles Payne, who had a “very difficult time re-adjusting to civilian life” after his time as an American soldier in the 89th Infantry Division. That division helped liberate the Ohrdruf forced labor camp, a subdivision of Buchenwald, which Obama is visiting for the first time on Friday afternoon.

At a news conference with German Chancellor Angela Merkel earlier on Friday, Obama said he chose to tour Buchenwald because “this one has a personal connection to me.” He noted his great-uncle, who is his grandmother’s brother, was in “shock” for some time over what he saw at the camp as a young soldier.

Obama said he wants to “reflect on this difficult history” on his visit because it is a reminder of the “dangers when peoples are in conflict and not acknowledging a common humanity.”

But Obama stressed that he also wants to “celebrate how out of tragedy you now have a unified Europe,” and he wants to highlight the power of “reconciliation, forgiveness and hope.”

White House aides say Obama’s great-uncle will not be on the tour of Buchenwald, but will be joining the President for Saturday’s ceremony in Normandy, France, celebrating the 65th anniversary of D-Day.

http://ac360.blogs.cnn.com/2009/06/05/obama-gets-emotional-about-liberation-of-nazi-camp/

[mix]

1. Europe is experiencing a rise in neo-Nazism

Remembering this history has never been more important.

[AtomicKitten]

2. This visit was a poignant follow-up to Obama's comments about those denying the Holocaust.

[AtomicKitten]

3. kicked for those choosing to view this visit cynically n/t

[Cha]

4. I can only imagine how emotional.. being

there in person with all the history emanating from Buchenwald.

[Tarheel_Dem]

5. Recommended. (nt)