NIAGARA, Wis. — Two weeks ago, I watched the documentary on PBS titled “The U.S. and the Holocaust,” a film by Ken Burns, Lynn Novick and Sarah Botstein. I certainly had learned about this tragic event through history classes taught in high school however, there was a world of difference between what I was taught back then and what I learned from this important work today.

To say that this new documentary was an eye opener would be an understatement. Suffice to say that I learned so much more this time around and gained a greater appreciation of the history of that era. I also gained a greater understanding of just how complex an issue immigration has been for our country and a deeper appreciation of how much influence our policies have on nations around the world.

Decades ago, I was taught that America welcomed immigrants and that our country stood for freedom for all people. We were a noble nation comprised of people we had welcomed onto our shores from around the globe. I learned the poem written by Emma Lazarus and inscribed on the Statue of Liberty. Titled “The New Colossus” her familiar words read as follows:

“Here at our sea-washed, sunset gates shall stand

A mighty woman with a torch, whose flame

Is the imprisoned lightning, and her name

Mother of Exiles. From her beacon-hand

Glows world-wide welcome; … Cries she

With silent lips, ‘Give me your tired, your poor,

Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free,

The wretched refuse of your teeming shore.

Send these, the homeless, tempest-tossed to me,

I lift my lamp beside the golden door!'”

Two weeks ago, I learned the extent to which many Americans held a very different view of immigration as evidenced in a poem written by the then editor of the Atlantic Monthly, Thomas Bailey Aldrich. Titled “The Unguarded Gates,” it was written in 1892 and warned of an evil throng of miscreants that threatened our country. I selected a few lines to show the very different tone of Aldrich’s thinking.

“Wide open and unguarded stand our gates,

And through them presses a wild motley throng …

These bringing with them unknown gods and rites, –

Those, tiger passions, here to stretch their claws.

In street and alley what strange tongues are loud,

Accents of menace alien to our air,

Voices that once the Tower of Babel knew!

O Liberty, white Goddess! is it well

To leave the gates unguarded? … Have a care

Lest from thy brow the clustered stars be torn

And trampled in the dust.”

From the documentary broadcast on PBS, we learn how this complicated and contradictory view of immigration delayed our response to the victims of the Holocaust. There were many other beliefs and prejudices that impeded an effective American response.

A belief in eugenics permeated the American culture and was staunchly promoted by physicians, educators, the wealthy influential and even Teddy Roosevelt. Eugenics is the scientifically erroneous and immoral theory of racial improvement through planned breeding, which gained popularity during the early 20th century.

It was believed that human beings could be perfected and certain social ills could be eliminated through genetics and heredity. Efforts such as involuntary sterilization, segregation and social exclusion were practiced to rid society of “unfit” individuals. Certainly, with this belief rooted in the American mindset, welcoming immigrants would only serve to “pollute” the desirable white population.

America had its own antisemitic population. Many of them were wealthy and politically influential. Charles Lindbergh was a very vocal antisemite. Henry Ford owned his own newspaper at the time, which unapologetically spread anti-Jewish sentiments that included false beliefs and accusations.

America was also recovering from the Great Depression and the Dust Bowl. Unemployment was widespread, and bread lines were all too common. The majority of Americans suffered homelessness and poverty while the wealthiest Americans continued to live lavishly in mansions free from the suffering experienced by the common man. This divide fueled resentment and desperation. Immigrants were looked upon as one more threat to the common man’s ability to survive.

Why, when there was so much suffering on American soil should we be extending any kind of a helping hand to foreigners?

Also, the slow recovery from the Great Depression allowed little appetite for involvement in another war. There was a strong isolationist mindset at the time and a prevailing attitude that America had enough troubles of its own without involving themselves in Europe’s. Legislation was introduced and supported by Congress to take an official isolationist approach to the problems developing in Europe, and restrictive immigration policies and quotas were officially enacted.

Finally, even as newspapers eventually carried the stories of Hitler’s advances, which included the numbers of Jews being methodically exterminated, Americans could not fathom it. The numbers were so staggeringly high that we could not wrap our minds around such atrocity and believed the news stories to be grossly exaggerated; they were dismissed as war propaganda.

This documentary by the three filmmakers is still available at pbs.com, in three parts and about eight hours in length. I strongly encourage you to take the time to view it. Yes, it is difficult to watch. As you learn about the precursors of this most awful chapter of world history, you will see the signs beginning again around the world. Genocide has occurred. Racism still exists. Immigration is still an unresolved issue in our country and others. Fascism is on the rise. Hate remains.

Yet, America does have “better angels” as Robert Meacham phrased it. People live among us who still care deeply or this documentary would not have been made. Let us join them in caring and decide to be part of the solution.

Let us dedicate ourselves to love of our fellow man and to the prevention of the ignorance and hate that led humanity down the wrong path decades ago. History ignored, is history repeated. Let’s not make those same mistakes.

——

NURSING HOMES/SENIOR LIVING FACILITIES

Freeman Nursing and Rehabilitation Community

Kingsford

906-774-1530

Freeman’s has resumed small group activities. Visitation is currently being allowed twice weekly with screening and COVID-19 testing required before entering the building. All precautions are still being taken to protect residents. Everyone has adjusted to this new normal; however, they are all looking forward to a great get-together when it is safe to do so.

No schedule of October activities is currently available.

Iron County Medical Care Facility

Crystal Falls

906-874-1501

No schedule of October activities is currently available.

ProMedica (formerly ManorCare)

Kingsford

906-774-4805

The center is now open for visitation. There is no longer a need to call in advance of your visit.

Sunday: Wet your whistle, 9:30 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; Flip-o, 1 p.m.

Monday: Wet your whistle, 9 a.m.; exercise, 10 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.; leisure cart, 3 p.m.

Tuesday: Wet your whistle, 9 a.m.; chair yoga, 10 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; leisure cart, 3 p.m.

Wednesday: Wet your whistle, 9 a.m.; manicures, 10 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; Flip-o, 2 p.m.; leisure cart, 3 p.m.

Thursday: Wet your whistle, 9 a.m.; devotional, 10 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; crafting corner, 2 p.m.; leisure cart, 3 p.m.

Friday: Wet your whistle, 9 a.m.; chips and chatter, 10 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.; leisure cart, 3 p.m.

Saturday: Donut special, 9:30 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; Yahtzee, 1 p.m.

Maryhill Manor Nursing Home

Niagara, Wis.

715-251-3172

Visitation is allowed as long as all infection control guidelines are followed, including wearing a mask, washing hands and social distancing. Daily scheduled activities continue to be for residents only.

Sunday: Crafts — shadow boxes, 10 a.m.; delivery of communion, 12:30 p.m.; rummage bingo, 2 p.m.

Monday: Rosary/communion, 9 a.m.; you be the judge, 10 a.m.; pamper and polish, 2 p.m.

Tuesday: Rosary/communion, 9 a.m.; prayer service, 9:30 a.m.; Bob Larson, 10:15 a.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.; Chaplet of Divine Mercy, 3 p.m.

Wednesday: Rosary/communion, 9 a.m.; Scrabble, 10 a.m.; pamper and polish, 2 p.m.; evening prayer, 5 p.m.

Thursday: Uno, 10 a.m.; rosary/communion, 1 p.m.; jokereno, 2 p.m.; Chaplet of Divine Mercy, 3 p.m.

Friday: Rummy, 10 a.m.; happy hour, 2 p.m.; Packers vs. Giants.

Saturday: Spelling bee, 10 a.m.; movie and popcorn, 2 p.m.

Florence Health Services

Florence, Wis.

715-528-4833

Visitation is allowed seven days a week in designated areas only. Each visit is limited to 30 minutes and must be scheduled in advance. All visitors will be subject to health screening before entering the facility. There are no group activities at the present time.

Victorian Pines

Iron Mountain

906-774-5158

Sunday: Juice time, 10 a.m.; Bible study, 1:30 p.m.; refreshments, 3 p.m.; Packers vs. Patriots, 3:25 p.m.

Monday: Fall tour, 10/11 a.m., 10 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; birthday party, 1:30 p.m.

Tuesday: Juice time, 10 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; ladder ball, 1:30 p.m.; refreshments, 2:30 p.m.

Wednesday: Juice time, 10 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; bingo, 1:30 p.m.; refreshments, 2:30 p.m.

Thursday: Juice time, 10 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; Lutheran Bible study, 1 p.m.; left-center-right, 2 p.m.

Friday: Fall tour, 10/11 a.m., exercise, 11 a.m.; bingo, 1:30 p.m.’ refreshments, 2:30 p.m.

Saturday: Juice time, 10 a.m.; movie and popcorn, 2 p.m.

Pinecrest Medical

Care Facility

Powers

906-497-5244

No schedule of October activities is currently available.

SENIOR CENTERS

Alpha-Mastodon Center

906-875-3315

Amasa Center

906-822-7284

This center remains open. They welcomed a new cook who will be preparing meals on site.

Tuesday: Meatloaf, cheesy potatoes and salad.

Wednesday: Rigatoni, green beans and salad.

Thursday: Beef stew, broccoli salad and dinner roll.

Breen Center

Kingsford

906-774-5110

Now open for dine-in eating Monday through Thursday — serving at noon. Friday and night meals are on hold indefinitely. Carryout meals are available. Soup and salad bar are also available. Menu for the week —

Monday: Meatloaf, baked potatoes and corn.

Tuesday: Barbecue chicken, boiled potatoes and baked beans.

Wednesday: Spaghetti with meat sauce, green beans and garlic bread.

Thursday: Cod or grilled cheese sandwich, potatoes and coleslaw.

Note: All meals served with a choice of skim milk or juice and fruit.

Crystal Falls Center

Head Cook: Sterling Peryam

Assistant Cook: Rocky Scarlassara

906-875-6709

The center is now open and is serving meals for dine-in or takeout — call the center by 1 p.m. to make reservations or to place an order. All food is purchased from local vendors. All dinners include salad bar, homemade desserts, coffee, tea, or milk. Salad bar begins at 4:30 p.m. and dinner is served at 5 p.m. Pickup for takeout meals is 4 p.m. – call ahead and leave a message with phone number. A volunteer will deliver meals to homebound citizens only. Menu for the week —

Monday: Chicken ala king and egg noodles.

Tuesday: Grilled ham steaks, O’Brien potatoes and applesauce.

Wednesday: Spaghetti with Italian sausage and garlic bread.

Note: Beginning Oct. 3, this center will be serving meals on Mondays.

Dickinson-Iron Community Services Agency

DICSA

Iron Mountain

906-774-2256 ext. 230 or 235.

This is a Meals on Wheels program only. Home delivered meals only – call to make arrangements. Menu for the week —

Monday: Brats, glazed carrots and spiced fruit.

Tuesday: Creamy potato and hamburger soup and roll with butter.

Wednesday: Smothered chicken, mashed potatoes and corn.

Thursday: Philly casserole, cauliflower with cheese and dinner roll.

Friday: Ham and cheese sandwich, yogurt, chips and treat.

Note: All meals include a choice of skim milk, juice, or no beverage.

For more information, call Christine McMahon at 906-774-2256.

Crystal Lake Center

Iron Mountain

906-828-1776

Schedule for the week is:

Monday: Spinning spools quilting, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.; Les Artistes’ art club, noon to 4 p.m.; woodcarvers, noon to 4 p.m.

Tuesday: Cards – Pinochle and cribbage, noon to 4 p.m.

Wednesday: Bingo, 1 to 4 p.m. Card cost is 25 cents per card, 10 games are played.

Thursday: Cards – Pinochle, noon to 4 p.m.

Friday: Cards – Smear, noon to 4 p.m.

Felch Center

906-246-3559

Now open for dine-in eating — call for serving times. Carryout meals also available. Menu for the week —

Monday: Fried pork chops, cheesy potatoes, fried cabbage and corn bread.

Tuesday: Omelet, sausage and hash browns.

Wednesday: Chicken pot pie, fried apples and salad.

Note: All meals served with skim milk or juice.

Aging and Disability Resource Center

Florence County, Wis.

715-528-4890

Director: Tiffany White

Restrictions have lifted at some centers — see below. Menu for the week —

Monday: Chicken noodle casserole, biscuits, Brussel sprouts and fruit.

Tuesday: Broccoli cheese soup, ham sandwich with lettuce and tomato and fruit.

Wednesday: Meatloaf, mashed potatoes, squash, fruit and apple cranberry crisp.

Thursday: Waikiki meatballs over rice, Oriental vegetables and fruit.

Friday: Fish sandwich, Western baked beans, sweet potato fries and fruit.

Note: All meals served with whole grain bread, butter and milk.

Fence Center/Town Hall

715-336-2980

RSVP for meal at 855-528-2372

Same as ADRC menu, served at noon on Wednesday only.

Florence Community Center/Town Hall

RSVP for meal at 715-528-4261

Same as ADRC menu. Open Monday through Thursday serving at 11:30 a.m.

Tipler Town Hall

RSVP for meals at 715-674-2320

Same as ADRC menu, served at noon on second Thursday only.

Hillcrest Senior Dining Center, Aurora

RSVP for meals at 715-589-4491

Same as ADRC menu. Now open, served at 11:30 a.m. Monday through Friday.

Hermansville Center

Coordinator: Barb Peters

906-498-7735

Center is open 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday. Meals are served through the Menominee-Delta-Schoolcraft Community Action Agency in Escanaba. Meals-On-Wheels program for those who are homebound is available.

Contact the center for weekly menus.

Iron River Center

906-265-6134

Now open for dine-in eating — serving at 11 a.m., salad bar available. No night meals. Carryout meals also available. Menu for the week —

Monday: Brat on a bun, baked beans, macaroni and cheese, fruit and milk.

Tuesday: Barbecue pork on a bun, roasted potatoes, carrots, fruit and milk.

Wednesday: Chef salad, cottage cheese, breadstick, fruit and milk.

Thursday: Italian bake, vegetable blend, garlic bread, dessert and milk.

Niagara Senior Center/Cafe

715-251-1603

Now open — dinner is served at noon on Monday through Thursday. Reservations are required one day in advance. Suggested donation is $4.50 for those older than 60 and $7 for those age 60 or younger. Bingo is played at the center on Wednesdays. Transportation is available.

Monday: Chili, grilled cheese sandwich, fruit and spice cake.

Tuesday: Pork roast, mashed potatoes with gravy, broccoli, dinner roll and ice cream.

Wednesday: Chicken breast, potato wedges, vegetables, fruit and dessert.

Thursday: Chop suey, chow mein noodles, hot applesauce and dessert bar.

Bingo on Tuesday.

Norway Center

Head Cook:  Brian Gutkowski. 

906-563-8716

Now open for dine-in eating served restaurant style beginning at 11:15 a.m. Salad bar available from 10:30 to 11 a.m. Takeout meals will remain available for pick-up from 11 to 11:30 a.m. Let staff know if you are dining in or picking up. Menu for the week —

Monday: Chicken chop suey, rice and Oriental blend vegetables.

Tuesday: Chicken bacon alfredo, breadstick and broccoli.

Wednesday: Salmon, sweet potato fries and creamed corn.

Thursday: Finnish pancake, sausage, hash browns and strawberries.

All meals include milk, juice, fruit, bread and dessert.

Center activity schedule:

Mondays and Thursdays — Exercise at 10 a.m. and card bingo after the meal.

Monday through Thursday — Card game 101 from noon to 3 p.m. Call Joe at 563-5587 for information.

Tuesdays — Quilting and sewing.

Wednesdays — Ceramics and crocheting.

Last Monday of each month — Book club at 9 a.m.

Second Thursday of each month — Birthdays and bingo.

Sagola Center

906-542-3273

Now open for dine-in eating — call for serving times. Carryout meals also available. Menu for the week —

Tuesday: Roast pork, mashed potatoes, green beans and pineapple.

Wednesday: Hot ham and cheese slider, macaroni and cheese, broccoli and applesauce.

Thursday: Baked chicken, mashed potatoes, corn and pears.

All meals served with an option of milk, juice or no beverage.