An Icon of remembrance # Homo monument #

At last the story of my day in Amsterdam is starting here.....Which brings you the colors and flavors of many exotic and fascinating corners of the world. This is great post to get the feel of Amsterdam - the capital of Netherlands inscribed on the UNESCO world Heritage list, delightful little streets. 

When people think of Amsterdam, their ears immediately prick up and their eyes bulge intensely at the exotics of the that city of sin. With its famed tolerance of soft drugs and prostitution, Amsterdam's hedonistic aspects have often eclipsed its homely charms, cultural treasures and "Normal Night Life".

One of the best thing i noticed here in Amsterdam is An Icon of remembrance # Homo monument. 

I found it by accident while on the way to visit the Anne Frank House. As we passed by I stopped, and took a closer look and confirmed that i had found the only monument devoted to gays and lesbians who were killed by the Nazis. I stopped for a moment, waited for a well of emotions to gush forth, but none came. I was honored to be at the site, but the full weight of the experience didn't hit me until much later. While i applaud the monument which debuted in 1987, i don't think it goes so far enough. 

This world- renowned icon of gay remembrance lies beside the westerkerk, taking the shape of a triangle on the bank of canal. Amsterdam's Homo monument was designed by Karin Daan, was unveiled on 5 September 1987 and was the first tribute in the world to the many gay and lesbian people who lost their lives during second world war. Its three points are symbolic. In the center of Amsterdam is the Homo monument, which commemorates all gay men and lesbians who have been subjected to persecution because of their homo sexuality. and takes the form of three large pink granite triangles in the ground forming a larger triangle. It is on the bank of the Keizersgracht canal, near the historic westerkerk church.  one corner points towards the National war memorial on Dam square, another points across the canal to the site of the Anne Frank House. While the third corner points towards COC Amsterdam. It remains the largest monument in the world dedicated to homosexuality and remembrance.It was designed to inspire and support lesbians and gays in their struggle against denial, oppression and discrimination. The text on the monument " To such a friendship indulgence desire" is a verse of the guy Jewish writer Jacob Israel de Haan. 

I would like to see a proper display honoring both the accomplishments of the LGBT community as well as their suffering. Still this community facing so much of oppression in the world and i think we could all use a reminder of how many people suffering every day. For the moment though, its the best way we have and i have to thank Amsterdam and the brave people who thought of constructing this amazing monument on the banks of the Keizergracht. 

 I realized that every trip is a voyage of Discovery.