US Vice President Vance Visits Dachau Concentration Camp, Emphasizes Need to Confront Evil
Munich, Germany – US Vice President J.D. Vance initiated his highly anticipated visit to Germany by paying tribute to the victims of the Holocaust at the former Dachau concentration camp.
Confronting the "Unspeakable Evil"
Accompanied by his wife Usha, Vance spent close to an hour exploring the memorial site, reflecting on the horrors perpetrated within its walls. "This place brings home the unspeakable evil that was committed here," he said. "It’s a reminder of why we must work to ensure such atrocities never happen again."
Dachau was the first permanent concentration camp established by the Nazis. Between 1933 and 1945, over 200,000 individuals from across Europe were imprisoned here and its 140 satellite camps. Able-bodied inmates were subjected to forced labor as slave workers. The camp was finally liberated by US soldiers on April 29, 1945, after over 40,000 people had perished.
Moved by the Testimonies
"I’m truly shaken by this place," Vance remarked. He laid a wreath at the memorial and met with Abba Naor, a 96-year-old Holocaust survivor. Naor, a Lithuanian Jew, was sent to Dachau as a teenager and endured forced labor in several satellite camps before being freed by American troops.
Security and Ukraine in Focus
Prior to his Dachau visit, Vance was welcomed at Munich Airport by Bavarian Minister-President Markus Söder. On Friday, he is scheduled to address the Munich Security Conference, outlining the Biden administration’s foreign and security policies. His speech, following German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier’s opening remarks, is highly anticipated, particularly regarding his stance on the Ukraine conflict.
President Biden recently agreed to negotiations with Russian President Vladimir Putin on ending the war in Ukraine. However, the nature of any potential concessions remains unclear. European allies have cautioned against deals made without Ukrainian involvement. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is also expected to attend the Munich Security Conference, along with Trump’s Ukraine envoy Keith Kellogg.
Emphasizing Transatlantic Ties
Söder highlighted the strong bonds between Germany and the United States following Vance’s arrival. "We are closely connected by shared values and security concerns," the CSU leader said. He emphasized the need for greater European independence in defense and security matters.
Historical Significance and a Call to Action
Vance’s visit to Dachau serves as a poignant reminder of the horrors of the Holocaust and the continuous need to combat tyranny. His words underscore the importance of confronting evil, honoring the memory of victims, and working tirelessly to prevent such atrocities from recurring. The Munich Security Conference provides a crucial platform for discussing these pressing issues and exploring pathways towards a more just and peaceful world.
