Konzentrationslager natzweiler-Struthof

Before becoming a concentration camp Le Struthof, as the French call it, had been a ski resort. The drive up the mountain was gorgeous. The sky was blue. The sun was shining. The view became more and more beautiful as we climbed. We passed streams cutting through the forest. From time to time we could see freshly trimmed trees ready for processing stacked along the narrow road. We would talk about the prowess of the chauffeur and his ability to keep driving as another bus would be meet us at the hairpin turn, or discuss weather or not we would try biking on the road. As we approached the top we drove by a quarry, identified by a new sign on an old building. I remembered the first time that I had come to Struthof. In the early 90's, Struthof was presented alternately as a work camp and a camp for political prisoners. I remembered reading about what had happened at the quarry.

A couple of years ago, Radio France presented updated information on its website and invited people to share their perceptions and understanding of Struthof. When we arrived at the camp, we would learn just how much the understanding of what happened at the camp had changed. Approximately 55 000 people were imprisoned at the camp during the war. Approximately 22 000 of those people never returned.

Before leaving the hotel that morning, Mme Johnson and I reminded the students that we would be visiting the camp. Just one quick reminder to dress appropriately and to behave respectfully was all it took. I have been very pleased by the way our students have behaved and how well they have represented our school and country during the first week of our trip. Here, at Struthof, I was again very pleased. What a great group we have.

M. Swanson