Jenna Wynes- Emotional Impact of Visiting Historical Sites

Throughout my life, I have had the privilege of visiting many historical sites worldwide. From the ancient ruins of the Ancestral Puebloans in Colorado to the haunting battlefields of Virginia, and the solemn D-Day memorials in Normandy, France, each site holds a unique and profoundly meaningful story.

As an empathetic person, passionate places like these often invoke strong physical and expressive reactions. Their metaphorical weight has only grown heavier and more meaningful as I have aged, providing a deeper connection to the past and a greater understanding of humanity's journey.


Some questions to think about:

- How do these locations continually affect those who visit for educational purposes? How can they maintain the power and energy from events hundreds of years ago?

- Does the energy from largely disastrous events carry on without memorials being built?

- How has age affected the interpretation and understanding of these events changed? (due to more emotional intelligence and perspective)


The two most influential places I have visited are the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum and the D-day memorials in Normandy France. These visits can only be explained as out-of-body experiences. When I entered the Holocaust Memorial building as a child, I could not understand the depth of the situation. I was simply spending time with my family and found more interest in my snack and how much my feet hurt. When I returned many years later, everything in my body seemed off. My heart felt heavy, my brain foggy, and my fingers burned like fire. I dreaded the entire experience and could feel the heavy weight of death surrounding me. As a child, I could not comprehend the actuality of the tragedy. 

When I visited Normandy France, statues, memorials, and art dedicated to the battle of D-day were everywhere. My group visited many of these locations, but the most influential was the Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial. It covers 172.5 acres and contains more than 9,000 gravesites. Inside, they have narratives, maps, and other multimedia presentations. Including personalized “Sacrifice at Home” plaques describing various individuals who gave their lives and stories to the War. I remember reading many accounts with teary eyes and a heavy heart. I walked the entire path of the cemetery. It is truly a beautiful place for the American soldiers to rest. The beauty of the cliffside and Ocean afforded me peace because I saw how catastrophically deadly events can be honored in such a respectful and beautiful way. While I have only been there once, learning about the events in school bared no comparison to walking the paths of history. This shaped my understanding of history in ways that no textbook ever could, and it continues to influence my perspective on the world.

As I learned more about historical tragedies and became more aware of death, I deeply appreciated the resilience and courage of those who lived through such times. The stories of sacrifice and devotion brought a newfound perspective to my understanding of history. Each site I visited, from ancient ruins to battlefields and memorials, held a unique and profound significance to my emotional intelligence. These places became more than just tourist attractions; they transformed into powerful reminders of the human spirit and the lessons we must carry forward.

Reflecting on my visits, I am reminded that history is not just a series of dates and events, but a collection of human experiences that shape who we are today. The emotions I felt and the stories I discovered will stay with me forever, a testament to the profound impact of walking in the footsteps of history.

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