On the Liberation Day, May 8th, the Rafto House was involved in arranging a special program at Espeland prison camp outside of Bergen, to mark the 60th anniversary of the liberation in 1945. Hundreds of visitors showed up to see Minister of Justice, Odd Einar Dørum, unveiling a memorial over the camp’s prisoners. Other activities included an open air service, a classical concert and the Amalie Laksov prize award ceremony. Throughout the day, the focus was upon the appeal never to forget. (19-MAY-2005)
May 9th 1945, Hans Martin Høegh departed as the last prisoner from the German built camp at Espeland. May 8th 2005, 60 years later, several hundred people gathered to witness the unveiling of a memorial over the camps prisoners from 1942-1945. Some of the visitors had themselves been prisoners at Espeland Prison Camp.
Peace march
Children and adults carried flags. Some had taken part in the ceremony on the mountain of “Ulriken”, where the big cairn of the highest top was renamed Menneskerettighetsvarden, or Human Rights Cairn. In addition to the peace march in the mountains, another march started from the railway station in Arna to the camp.
A worthy ceremony
In bright sunshine, Thor Brekkeflat held an open air service, and Arne Musikforening played during the memorial’s unveiling ceremony and laying of a wreath. Later, Amalie Laksovs prize for the protection of Human Rights was awarded to Espeland Prison Camp Foundation.
The program enden with a performance of the quartet, “To the End
of Times”, composed by Olivier Messaien in German captivity.
The death row
Espeland Prison Camp stands almost as it was when it was built bu the Nazis in 1942-1943. One of the camp’s buildings was named Lenken (“The Chain”). It contained 40 prison cells for those who had committed serious crimes, of whom most had been sentenced to death. Most of the prisoners in Lenken had worked actively in the resistance movement, and came from different layers of society. On the walls in the barrack, which once contained 40 prisoners, their names are posted. Excerpts of German rules, orders, letters and pictures are some of the items used to describe the life as a prisoner at Espeland Leir. Dolls in German uniforms perform grotesque actions towards inmates. The cell doors are open, revealing claustrophobic rooms with tiny windows that barely let through any light. Lists with names and numbers are made available so that visitors, especially family, can find out the reason for arrest and other details concerning the prisoners. Observing the visitors, it is obvious that they are affected by what they see.
The 60 years commemoration was an important event both for the former prisoners and the visitors who are reminded of the atrocities committed in Norway during World War II. By remembering these brutal events one wants to increase awareness about human dignity, and to prevent recurrence.
