DISPLACED - THE STORY
The exodus began in 1944. For the Lithuanians featured in DISPLACED and others in Eastern Europe staying home meant potential execution or exile to slave labor camps in Siberia by the oppressive Russian regime. They left their homes hoping to return. Valuables were buried in the backyard against looters. One couple handed a two-week-old baby to relatives deeming the trip too treacherous for an infant. They did not see the child again for 12 years. They were running not from our enemy, the madman Adolph Hitler of Germany but our ally, the equally mad and brutal Russian, Joseph Stalin who was given control of their countries. He began to systematically rid these countries of teachers, professionals and others he declared 'enemies of the people.'
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DISPLACED covers four topics. The why and way of leaving reveals the day-to-day existence quickly disrupted by the need to flee as Russian artillery boomed in the distance. The second part shows the perilous journey to Germany, in carts, on bicycles, on foot and by boat. The third section looks at life in the displaced person camp where home might be in an old German barracks or group home commandeered by the Allies; often with only a bed sheet separating families. The last section tells of the ship ride home with people too seasick to enjoy exotic, never-before-seen foods such as bananas and oranges. Finally, they meet their sponsors and begin a new life in the USA.
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These stories are told by children now adults who are on the front line of these memories. These are stories as close as your neighbors. The subjects are some among the many people in this country living quiet productive lives who have played a major part in historical events.
Today there are multitudes of exiles displaced from countries such as Syria, Afghanistan and Colombia, and meanwhile Putin works to restore the Russian empire.
Today there are multitudes of exiles displaced from countries such as Syria, Afghanistan and Colombia, and meanwhile Putin works to restore the Russian empire.