. . . The six barrels on the side represent the six million Jews that were systematically murdered in the six major death camps.
. . .The long rod at the top symbolizes the ten thousand children that were saved on the Kindertransport . . .The train car at the bottom and the curved, twisted path represents the children's arrival in a foreign land after a long, hard journey.
. . .The lighted star at the top symbolizes the hope and faith of the children which got them through the difficult times.
. . .The red color represents the blood shed in the war, not only by Jews, but also by the brave soldiers who gave their lives in battle.
. . . It should be called "The Nameless" as a tribute to those forgotten.
. . . If this were to be built, it should be put on top of a hill, with only the light at the top lit up. It would be made of metal with red stains covering it.
. . . If it was constructed, there would be a series or rooms in the train car at the bottom with stories and information about the Holocaust. There would also be an |fl inscription to all who had been lost. . . '"For the people or friends we have lost and the dreams that have faded . . . never forget them."
As with most memorials, "Rails of Hope" can and should be interpreted in many
ways. Still, if you don't see anything in it except a bunch of legos and cardboard, here is
my interpretation of "Rails of Hope."
The name represents the only hope for children getting out of Nazi Germany. The
kindertransport itself started and ended by train, and the monument contains train tracks,
which is where I got "Rails" from.
The memorial itself is made up of three main symbolic sections.
First, there is a buildings on one side; the building is grey, rundown, damaged, and
forgotten. A broken home, indeed, which represents Jews that could not get out of Nazi
territory. To the left is a lit-up, colorful house with a future. It is a radiant and
prosperous representing the lucky Jews that survived.
My memorial's second layer is the train tracks. On one side there lies a
barren, dead land below red tracks representing bloodshed, while the other is covered in
growing, healthy green grass underneath the blue tracks showing liberty.
The final layer is the river. The current is heading towards British grounds and
represents the desired direction of Jewish children. Yet on the side of the Nazis, there is a
whirlpool, trapping almost all who try to get out, as well as sucking nearby people
(Poland and Austria) in.
"Rails of Hope" reminds or tells people of the kindertransport and shows how
Britain did such an incredible thing transporting Jewish children to safety.
. . . There are ninety-six craft sticks on the sides, representing the ninety-six
trains that took the children to Great Britain.
. . .The six sticks on the top represent the six death camps the children
were saved from the horrors of.
. . .The base is red to represent the blood shed by the children that did
not get the chance to get out.
. . .The four sides represent the four countries that children were saved
from.
. . .The monument should be constructed in the center of a large empty
field.
. . .The base should be a museum about the kindertransport,
Holcaust Monument
by Sean R. (4/04)
On my monument there are four pillars on the outside corners of a square platform with one taller pillar in the center. Each outside pillar has two words inscribed on it. These pillars represent the strength of the principals held by the Jews which helped their spirits prevail over the Nazis in WWll. The taller pillar in the center of the monument has a "Star of David," which represents the triumph of the Jews. Although the Holocause took many lives, it could not destroy the Jewish faith.
Rails of Hope by Connor H. (4/04)
Kindertransport
by Amy S. (4/04)
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