Day 2: Boston

Day 2: After sleeping 9.5 hours we hit the streets again before catching our flights out. Me continuing to Boston and Tim returning to Jacksonville. As we were out on the town we visited Battery Park, ate at my favorite Amish Restaurant and China Town where we shopped (no I did not buy an knock off purses!) and Tim cat called the people, “Gucci, Prada, LV,” I was so embarrassed. Once arriving back at the hotel at 3, we scurried off to the airport, where something interested happened. Once arriving at my gate they called my name over the loud speaker. When arriving at the service counter, they informed me that due to several seats on the flight being broken, they were bumping me up to a non-stop flight to Boston at no charge. I jumped on the chance to arrive at 8pm instead of the original midnight. Well the flight was wonderful, no motion sickness. After arriving at baggage claim, my bag was nowhere to be found. THEY LOST MY BAG! So I filed my report and headed to the only place I knew was inexpensive, Target. What would we do without Target. So the taxi waited on me to flash through the store picking up soap, jammies, clothes, etc. After spending $160 I returned to the car. Once I arrived at The Vogel Residence I was astonished. They live walking distance from Boston University and in a unbelievable condo in the middle of the city. The concierge took my bags and rang them to let them know I was arriving upstairs. After arriving to the residence I was greeted by the most wonderful people. They wanted to know all about my passion and why I was studying Berga. After all without Dr. Vogel’s Uncles influence regarding his brother’s (Bernard Vogel) death at Berga, the guards at Berga would have never been brought to Judicial justice. He started showing me all the court documents he had on the case from 1945. To say the least I have my work cut out for me in the following days. I am so excited about this trip. He also holds a prized possession… (drum roll please) Another copy of the silence pamphlet the men of Berga were forced to sign. To the other historians whom cannot confirm nor deny the existence of these “silence pamphlets” I have news for you, they exist and I have three of them in my hot little hands. Unbelievable milestone on that account. Mitchell Bard, Flint Whitlock, and Michael Hirsh the three Historians who have written about Berga, I hope to one day sit down with you and share this precious artifact with you. Also without the encouragement of Michael Hirsh, author of The Liberators, I would not have fed this passion on Berga the way I have by traveling the US meeting all these wonderful people. One another note Dr. Martin Vogel told me that he teaches at Boston University and said he might be able to help me meet Elie Wiesel, the man whom I feel like I know and whose words will linger with me the remainder of my days (not to mention I have them tattooed on my left foot!) “For the dead and living, we must bear witness”-Elie Wiesel

Well Mr. Wiesel your words ring true to me and I will spend my life telling others about the men of Berga an der Estler!


Tomorrow is filled with excitement as I hold the documents that I will compose my Master’s thesis with. There is no telling what discoveries tomorrow will bring. Wish me luck!