Re-writing History

I received this very disturbing email today. For those of you who have checked out my "Gulag Letters" link on the side bar of this blog, this will mean something. For the rest of you, be aware that England is not the only country that is re-writing history.


Theft of Letters:Russian Police Break into Memorial Society Office

Dear readers,
It is with considerable concern that I write to you.
Several years ago, the Memorial Society in St. Petersburg, asked for my copies of original letters, my book, documentary, and photos of the writers. Their interest was very affirming. The letters were very significant to them. Many phone calls and emails travelled between us. The Memorial Society planned to exhibit the letters (written by the Regehr family from their Gulag prison camp) at their museum in Perm 36.
Four months ago, the office of the society was raided by the Russian police and all files were confiscated. This is chilling. Documents held by the society appear to be a threat. The article in the Chicago Tribune describes the incident. http://archives.chicagotribune.com/2008/dec/17/nation/chi-russia-stalin_rodriguezdec17

So what now? With the new Russian regime determined to re-write history, what can we do? How can we ensure that the stories of those who suffered are preserved? That the victims of the Gulag are remembered?
I suggest the following:
Listen to family members and friends who fled Russia. Tell them you will remember.
Share these stories with the online community and anyone else who will listen.
Forward this newsletter to a friend.
Purchase a book or DVD as a gift for someone who needs to remember.
Regardless of what you decide to do, the most important act is to remember.
Sincere thanks for your continued interest in the letters and in those who wrote them.
Ruth Derksen Siemens